Staff Writer
An operational specialised education unit in Maun is at an advanced stage of completion, aimed at strengthening support services for learners with special educational needs.
The Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, informed Parliament this week that the new facility will complement the national diagnostic unit in Tlokweng, as well as satellite centres operating in Kanye and Francistown.
Kgafela-Mokoka said the the government has prioritised specialised training in educational psychology and related disciplines to ensure the effectiveness of the initiative. The Maun unit was established to deliver a multidisciplinary programme bringing together educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and physiotherapists.
She explained that the integrated approach is designed to bridge the gap between educational, psychological and medical services, ultimately improving learners’ functional abilities and academic performance.
Currently, at least three specialised educational psychologists are undertaking psycho-educational programmes and assessments as part of the initiative. The minister noted that these programmes are essential in ensuring that learning environments are adapted to suit children’s specific needs rather than expecting children to conform to standardised systems.
Under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), the government plans to establish multidisciplinary child support centres in every district. These centres will be staffed by complementary professionals to ensure faster, more accessible and comprehensive support services for children across the country, she explained.
The Maun facility is expected to significantly enhance early identification, intervention, and inclusive education efforts, particularly in the North-West region, reinforcing government’s commitment to equitable and quality basic education.
