Unicef, the United Nations Children's Fund, has provided the provincial authorities of Cabo Delgado with support materials specially intended for pupils with disabilities. The initiative aims to promote the continuity of their school attendance.
There is a pressing need for greater intervention. The situation calls for teachers, school staff, parents and community leaders to unite in overcoming adversity. The words of Óscar Boije, Unicef's representative in Pemba, at the handover ceremony echoed this imperative.
Infrastructure, already lacking, becomes an even greater challenge for those living with a disability. The critical humanitarian situation in Cabo Delgado has forced many people with disabilities to move away from their homes, taken in at areas designated for the purpose, where they find themselves deprived of their usual assistance.
Pemba, the provincial capital, has served as a refuge for many displaced people seeking to escape the armed violence of the rebels since 2017. This situation has overburdened public services, such as schools and health facilities, owing to the increase in population.
Among other items, Unicef delivered 20 wheelchairs and 40 white canes.
Valige Tauabo, governor of Cabo Delgado, stressed that the donation of these compensatory aids is part of a strategy aimed at implementing inclusive education and the development of children with disabilities.
The hope is that the materials can encourage greater involvement and interest from the beneficiaries in the educational process.
Last year, 9,780 pupils with special educational needs were registered in Cabo Delgado at all levels of education.
Over the past five years, the province has been the scene of an armed conflict, with several attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State. This situation has displaced one million people, caused around 4,000 deaths and destroyed countless infrastructure facilities.
