Govt urged to employ social workers in schools

Daily News reporter

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Open University of Tanzania’s Head of Social Welfare Department Dr Mariana Makuu, has advised the

government to employ social work experts in inclusive primary schools to safeguard the mental and psychological well-being of children while at school.

The call was made recently at an event at Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School in Dar es Salaam which was attended by lecturers from OUT, Norwegian University lecturers, and students, teachers, and pupils from the school.

Dr Makuu explained that having social work experts in the schools will help children with special needs who often need people such as social work experts close to them to understand their needs while at school.

She emphasised that the care, supervision, and upbringing of such children face many challenges, hence the need for an adequate number of experts in this field.

“Hiring social work experts will reduce the negative impact on the upbringing and development of these children, thus helping them achieve their educational dreams as normal children,” said Dr Makuu.

She further emphasised the importance of having social work experts assist in other aspects related to the upbringing and development of children, especially those with special needs, considering the heavy responsibilities of teachers in implementing the curriculum.

Dr Makuu said a large number of children with special needs in schools face educational challenges due to a lack of special attention, thus hindering or limiting their progress in education.

On her part, Marianne Valsvik, a social welfare student from Norway, expressed satisfaction for being part of comforting children with various materials that will aid in their studies, hygiene, and other needs.

“I have learned a lot here in Tanzania about various social issues and how children with special needs live,” said Marianne.

Representing the students from Norway, Karoline Lie said that they donated to Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School various materials such as hygiene items, notebooks, pens, first aid kits, and chairs, and cost more than nine and a half million Tanzanian shillings.

“Other items include teacher storage cabinets, various play equipment, tanks, basins, and kitchen utensils,” said Karoline.

Tanzania has signed various international agreements on people with disabilities, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989, whereby member states agreed to have laws and regulations to protect the rights of children.