THE MINISTRY

OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY has received auxiliary equipment for students with special needs from various development stakeholders and handed them over to secondary schools in Pugu, Jangwani and Dodoma secondary schools.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam during the launch exercise and the distribution of the equipment, Deputy Secretary General Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof.

James Mdoe has said that they have received more than 100 devices, and other equipment such as computers, dishwashers and washing machines.

In addition, Prof.

Mdoe has explained that there is a great demand for learning materials for children who have special needs which are more than 92,000 found in the country where in Dar es Salaam Region it is more than 30,000.

"The government always allocates a budget to buy such equipment, for the last financial year we have allocated more than 530 units, but we have allocated books with big text, we have allocated hearing aids and we also allocate a budget but it is not enough, so we invite stakeholders to come forward to increase strength for your donations to raise children with disabilities to get an education without leaving this group behind.

"Our training policy for the year 2014, the 2023 edition, says that first we should not leave a child at home, every child should get an education, it also talks about the issue of inclusive education which includes involving various stakeholders in providing that education, I encourage other stakeholders to continue to come forward," he said.

He has also called on parents not to hide children with disabilities at home in order to give them the opportunity to study where the education they will be given will build their independence.

On his part, the Assistant Director of Special Affairs Tamisemi, Ernest Hinju has said that there are more than 20,000 schools that receive children with special needs where their goal is to ensure that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as other children.

The Principal of Pugu Secondary School, Juma Boniphace has thanked the delivery of the equipment to his school where he has said that it will improve the environment for children with special needs.