Trends and Issues in Special Education in Botswana

Abstract

The development of educational facilities for children with special educational needs has become a universal priority. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1996) received information from 52 member states as to legislation pertaining to special needs education. Forty-eight countries (92.3% of the member states involved in the study) enacted legislation pertaining to special needs education, whereas the remaining four countries (7.7%) have active proposals. Globally, Botswana is not isolated or indifferent with respect to making provision for children with special needs. On March 7, 1994, the Botswana National Assembly approved the Revised National Policy on Education, which in part stated that the government is committed to the education of all children, including those with disabilities. Prior to this, education of people with disabilities had been left mainly in the hands of nongovernmental organizations. In 1984, a special education unit charged with the responsibility of coordinating special education affairs was established in the Ministry of Education. Later in 1994, it was elevated to a division. The Botswanian government has progressively shown interest in the welfare of people with disabilities. For example, special schools or resource centers have been built, taken over, or supported; a number of facilities, such as Teacher Training Curriculum, have been modified to include awareness courses in special education; specialist training facilities have been established at the university; an enlightenment program has been designed to help in attitudinal change; more personnel have been sent abroad for training in different specialized areas; public buildings are being modified to be sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities; and the policy of inclusive education is being vigorously pursued. Overall, development of special education and provision for people with disabilities are topmost priorities of the government of Botswana. Despite government commitment to special education development, numerous factors could delay quick delivery.