Encouraging special and inclusive education

The University of Goroka last Friday opened its first special and inclusive play area for students with special educational needs at Okiufa Primary School in Eastern Highlands province.

The facilities were officially opened by the acting vice chancellor of UOG Dr Sam Najike.

 “This is a special occasion as we are embarking on something crucial for integral, holistic education in PNG,” he said.

"We must create opportunities for these special groups of children.”

Chair of the PNG Disabled Persons Association, Ipul Powaseu, thanked UOG staff for recognising that inclusivity was important.

 “Children with disabilities still have the right to go to school,” she said.

 Powaseu also encouraged all present to fight for those with disabilities and to help children with disabilities to go to school.

The cutting of the ribbon to formally open the special and inclusive play area was performed by Dr Najike, dean of the faculty of education Dr Kapa Kelep-Malpo and Powaseu.

Head of the special and inclusive education strand at UOG, Donna Mailil, said: “The real point of the project was to help the school to develop an environment for effective learning so schools can continue to further develop inclusive education.”

The project undertaken by UOG focused on students majoring in special and inclusive education working to better implement the policy of inclusive education in 6 schools around Goroka, and to promote and support inclusive learning and teaching.

 The inclusive play environment opened at Okiufa Primary School was designed to assist children with special educational needs to equally participate in all activities whilst attending school.