Modern dormitory eases school access for students with disabilities in Bagamoyo

BAGAMOYO: PRIMARY school pupils with disabilities in Bagamoyo Town Council, Coast Region, who previously struggled with long commutes and irregular school attendance, now have a safe place to stay following the completion of a modern dormitory at Nianjema ‘A’ Primary School.

The facility, built under the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive education, is transforming access to schooling for learners with special needs.

According to the school’s Head Teacher, Mr Renatus Kisenha, the government allocated 141.4m/- for the project, which can accommodate 80 students.

“We are truly grateful to the government for facilitating this project. Students who previously had to be brought to school by their parents due to their disabilities can now stay on campus. The dormitory will primarily serve female students,” he said.

The new facility provides a safe and decent living environment, allowing students to interact with their peers and reducing the stigmatization they often faced at home.

Moreover, the school will help students acquire essential life skills, in line with government directives.

District Pre- and Primary School Education Officer, Ms Wema Kajigili, told the ‘Daily News’ that the dormitory has motivated parents of children with special needs to send their children to school.

“Parents are excited about the facility. Many previously spent most of their time caring for their children instead of engaging in productive activities. Experience shows that children with disabilities often lack proper care, which can worsen their condition,” she explained.

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Ms Kajigili further revealed that the district is already in talks with the Ministries of Education and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) to construct another dormitory in the coming financial year, which will accommodate male students.