The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has held a strategic stakeholder engagement to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accessing tertiary education in Sierra Leone. The meeting at the Ministry’s conference room in the Sababu Building focused on improving data collection, policy implementation, and inclusivity in higher education institutions across the country.
Call for Accurate Data Collection and Policy Reform
Speaking at the event, Ms. Sia Fasuluku, Director of Research, Planning, and Development and Focal Person for Disability Issues at MTHE, emphasised the urgent need for reliable data on students with disabilities in tertiary institutions. She noted that the lack of comprehensive records limits the Ministry’s ability to provide targeted support.
"When development partners request disability data, they often rely on their own sources because national data lacks credibility. This must change. Proper data collection will enable us to design targeted support programs for persons with disabilities, including those with albinism or low vision," she stated.
Ms. Fasuluku also highlighted structural barriers such as inaccessible buildings and inadequate disability-friendly facilities, which continue to hinder academic progress for students with special needs.
Commission for Persons with Disabilities Faces Resource Constraints
Dr. Vandy Konneh, Commissioner of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), acknowledged the institution’s limited capacity due to staffing and funding constraints.
"By law, we are expected to do much, but we lack the manpower to effectively monitor institutions nationwide. We need regional coordinators and technical personnel dedicated to education, especially at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels," Dr. Konneh explained.
He urged the Ministry of Finance to support recruiting specialised staff and expanding disability services across the country.
Need for a National Disability Database and Sensitization Programs
Mr. James Ibrahim George, Senior Administrative Assistant for Special Needs at Fourah Bay College (FBC), pointed out the absence of a standardised categorisation system for disabilities in Sierra Leone. He stressed the need for collaboration with medical professionals to ensure proper diagnosis and documentation of students with disabilities.
"Epilepsy, for example, is a disability, but without a standardised medical verification process, non-disabled individuals can exploit the system. We must work with medical experts to ensure accurate classification," he stated.
He also recommended introducing mandatory disability awareness courses in universities to foster a culture of inclusivity.
Key Recommendations and Next Steps
The meeting concluded with several recommendations, including:
Establishing a national disability database to improve policy planning and resource allocation.
Recruiting disability-focused personnel in all regions to monitor and implement inclusive policies.
Enhancing accessibility in tertiary institutions by improving infrastructure and providing assistive technologies.
Introducing nationwide sensitisation programs to combat stigma and encourage self-identification among students with disabilities.
Strengthening collaboration between government ministries to ensure seamless support for students with disabilities from primary to tertiary education.
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education reaffirmed its commitment to implementing these recommendations and working with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, development partners, and educational institutions, to ensure equitable access to higher education for persons with disabilities.
Richard Williams, SLENA Correspondent
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