MASERU, Feb.05- The Minister of Public Service, Mr. Stephen Mputi, has reaffirmed that access to quality education is a fundamental human right for all, regardless of disability status.
The Minister made these remarks on Thursday while delivering a keynote address during a motivation session titled “Back to School” at St. Bernadette Resource Centre for the Blind.
He said he was honoured to lead public service staff in the initiative, noting that he is fully aware of the challenges faced by the centre in providing holistic care, support and education to learners with special needs. Minister Mputi added that the event was also meant to complement a call by the Minister of Education and Training (MoET), Professor Ntoi Rapapa, urging ministries and all stakeholders to decisively reach out to learners this academic year and beyond, with the aim of empowering them and instilling a love for education.
“Disability is not inability. Despite your disability, be assured that God has bestowed different gifts upon you. Your light will shine; you are future employers and employees,” he said.
In the same vein, the school principal, Mrs. ’Mamoliehi Tamako, reiterated that the MoET-supported institution promotes inclusive education by providing specialised care and support to visually impaired learners from the age of six. She expressed gratitude to the Minister and his delegation for the visit, which she said had revived the school community, adding that learners at the centre come from various districts across the country.
Meanwhile, Ms. Moliehi Sekants’e, a former student of the resource centre and now an employee at the Ministry of Public Service, told learners that visual impairment should not limit their dreams. “Be calm, be empowered, and know that with hard work and dedication, your aspirations can be achieved,” she stressed.
Speaking on behalf of fellow learners, Bonolo Sets’osa thanked the Ministry for the gesture, describing it as an act driven by God’s grace, and appreciated being chosen among many others. The promotion of quality and inclusive education for every child, regardless of background or disability, is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Four. The Agency has learnt that the resource centre has enrolled 50 learners this year, with the aim of addressing their educational and psychological needs.
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