As the nation gears for schools opening, about 40 Teachers from Matsetsa and Siteki Schools for the Deaf were treated to lunch by the Deputy Prime Minister (yesterday on the 17th of January 2025).
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the sole purpose was to publicly recognise and appreciate Teachers from these two schools for the passion, love, dedication and professionalism they always show towards Deaf children. The Kingdom of Eswatini has two special schools which are exclusively for students with hearing impairments. Students and teachers in these schools use sign language as their mode/meduim of communication.
Speaking during the appreciation lunch which was held at Summerfield Botenical Gardens, the DPM stated that teachers in these schools always go an extra mile and invest their resources to learn sign language. The Deputy Prime Minister indicated that when ever she visits these schools she is humbled by the love and care demonstrated by the teachers to the students.
Speaking on behalf of Parents of Children with Disabilities, Mrs Grace Bhembe extended heartfelt appreciation to the teachers for their seamless service delivery in the two schools. She indicated that whiles there is an obvious lack of proper incentives for the teachers but they continue to selflessly teach and mentor Deaf children. Mrs Grace Bhembe futher stated that having a child with a disability is difficult and taxing in many ways. She appreciated the teachers for taking care of these children midst the many difficulties.
The Deputy Prime informed the teachers that she is currently
working on an initiative of helping teachers from special schools in Eswatini to benchmark from schools which are doing well in first world countries. She lamented the fact that some of the special schools like Siteki School for the Deaf and St Josephs are not in good shape. However, she indicated that the Ministry of Education, Micro-Projects and other patners are already working on upgrading the schools.
Speaking during the colorful function, Head teachers from both schools for the Deaf appreciated the DPM for hosting the appreciation lunch. They indicated that such a
gesture is a top class motivation to the teachers. They applauded the DPM for upgrades which she has already worked on in their special schools.
The Deputy Prime Minister also appreciated patners who work tirelessly with government towards improving the lives of children with disabilities. She noted the contributions of organizations like the Bible Society of Eswatini which ensures availability of spiritual guidance to Deaf students and their teachers.
