Special education is the practice of educating students in a way that provides accommodations that address their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs.
In January 2022 Joshua School officially opened its own Special Education Needs (SEN) department, recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education.
Identify disabled children in the community, visit them, and encourage their parents to bring them to school
Provide a safe and caring environment for disabled students to thrive
Assess disabled students and teach them at their right level so they experience success
Provide classroom support for students who have learning disabilities or learning gaps
Support teachers with strategies to meet the learning needs of students with any type of disability who qualify for inclusion in mainstream classes
Provide classroom support for students who have learning disabilities or learning gaps
Disability is a hugely under-addressed challenge in Tanzania, with only one recognised college training teachers for the whole nation. Physical and intellectual disabilities are still regarded with shame in many parts of Tanzania, and many disabled children are uneducated and dismissed as useless to society. Learning disabilities are largely unrecognised in schools, with many children being labelled as ‘dumb’ or ‘naughty’. As such beatings and abuse are common experiences. Here at JSA we are committed to valuing and loving these children, while offering them an education that enables them to reach their potential.
Our Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers (Mutungi & Celina) work and spend most of their time with our JSA children who have special educational needs or disabilities. They work with them in groups or individually at different times of the week during class hours.
MUTUNGI
SELINA
Idan is a 7 year old boy who has never been to school before because of his growth and development challenges. He is here with us enjoying Joshua SEN department! We are doing a lot of language and fine motor skills development.
At last Amani is getting relief from the shame he has been experiencing at the government school where he repeated Class Three 3 times! His parents were very disappointed and confused. The teachers didn’t know what to do with Amani’s severe stammering, which only made him withdrawn at home and school. We have assessed him and started to work on his academic gaps, as well as building his confidence.
Praygod is 9 years old. He came to us from a government school.
He has an intellectual disability. His learning at the government school was very difficult since they were just treating him as a typical child. Thankfully he is now in a safe place. His progress has improved since he’s been at JSA in our SEN unit.
Janelle is 11 years old. She has been to more than one school before and ended up being kicked out. She was born with brain development problems. It was difficult for some of her teachers and school mates to cope with her and this is why she went through several rejections before coming to Joshua School Arusha.
Janelle joined JSA in April 2022 and now she has found hope, confidence and happiness.