BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity (CHRPA/I) has called for urgent action to strengthen inclusive education, following its oversight visit to St Joseph’s Mission Centre for the Blind on August 4, 2025.
Located in the Manzini Region, St Joseph’s is one of only four centres in Eswatini that provide specialized education for learners who are blind or visually impaired.
The Commission’s visit aimed to assess learning conditions and ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of children with disabilities.
During the visit, CHRPA/I identified several pressing challenges, including the lack of essential learning tools such as braille stylers, embosser machines, and screen readers. Limited government funding has made it difficult to upgrade outdated equipment and expand available resources.
Additionally, the Commission highlighted that special education teachers are not receiving incentives for their specialized skills, resulting in low morale and high staff turnover. This shortage of trained personnel negatively affects both the quality and continuity of teaching.
The Commission also observed that societal stigma and the lack of community-based support structures continue to hinder educational access and social integration for learners with disabilities. These factors contribute to low academic performance and reduced employment prospects later in life.
Despite these challenges, CHRPA/I commended the dedication of the Centre’s staff and the resilience of its learners. The visit reaffirmed the urgent need for improved systems and collaborative efforts to promote inclusive education.
In accordance with Eswatini’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2018, CHRPA/I is calling for immediate and strategic action.
Key recommendations include increased investment in assistive technologies, a review of compensation for special education teachers, and community outreach programs to combat stigma. These efforts are vital to breaking the cycle between disability and poverty.
CHRPA/I pledged to continue working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that learners with visual impairments can fully enjoy their right to quality, inclusive education.
(Courtesy Pics)
