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Nebbi authorities push for accessible toilets for PWD pupils
A teacher at Nyarundier Primary School helps a pupil with disability to access a toilet facility constructed by Plan International in Nebbi District. PHOTO/PATRICK OKABA
What you need to know:
- Authorities say 70% PWD children in Nebbi District lack access to educational infrastructure.
Authorities in Nebbi Districtare encouraging school administrators to establish hygiene and sanitation facilities that are accessible for children with disabilities using wheelchairs.
Nebbi Inspector of Schools James Gwoktho says the district has set a condition for any classroom block construction designs to be approved by local authorities to favour People With Disabilities (PWDs).
“Improving access to sanitation is a critical step towards reducing the impact of many diseases associated with lack of sanitation,” he observed.
Meantime, Nebbi District nonprofit Plan International, in partnership with the district have embarked on a campaign aimed at constructing accessible and friendly toilets for PWDs.
Plan international under the Rising Project has constructed friendly and accessible wash facilities in the seven primary schools of Ramogi, Alwala, Paminya, Nyarundier Asili and Komkech in Nebbi District.
One of the disabled learners at Nyarundier Primary School in Akworo Sub county Vasco Mungutimo told Monitor that, before the toilet facility for the disabled pupils was constructed at the school, his colleagues used to carry him to the general facility where the hygiene of the latrine was so wanting.
“I can now access the facility with my wheelchair because the facility has a smooth surface where I can easily access it with any barrier,” Mungudit said.
Nyarundier Primary School head teacher Tonny Okello Grace says the sanitary facility for the disabled pupils is a blessing for the community around since they’re many disabled children staying at homes.
“Many disabled learners find it difficult to continue with their education, have abandoned their studies and are staying in the communities with their guidance or parents”, Okello said.
The chairperson for the people living with disability in Nebbi District Dorine Nimungu Clere says 70 percent of the disabled children are being denied access to education either infrastructural or lack of parental care.
“We need sanitary facilities in all the learning institutions to be designed in a way which favors the disabled learners such that their health is guaranteed like other people,” she appealed on Wednesday.
