Special schools have been challenged to embrace digital learning platforms for learners to pursue studies with more ease.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Kiambu County Chairperson Dr. Rose Kiiru says it has been established that through digital technology, physically challenged students can access lessons from the comfort of their homes.
This, she added, will help reduce the costs of having learners go to class physically and minimize the inconveniences they have to go through as a result of their conditions.
At the same time, the official said Kenya is yet to achieve gender equity with women still lagging behind at nearly all levels of leadership either in government or the private sector.
Dr. Kiiru was speaking at Joy Town Special Secondary School in Thika when she led members of the Union on a visit to address the students.
During the occasion, Christine Kavale, a physically challenged student at the Thika Technical Institute displayed how she uses her mouth to access digital learning programs through her smartphone.
"Our visit to this special school is meant to inspire the students to know that they are only differently enabled and not disabled as we seek for ways to empower them to achieve their goals," said Dr Kiiru.
She also used the occasion to call for deliberate efforts to uplift the boy child, particularly those in special institutions of learning or centers for neglected children including approved schools.
The Kuppet official also condemned cases of gender-based violence and said many of the cases were a result of mental illness, hence the need for the country to address mental wellness.
"The country needs to address the issue of mental wellness with the seriousness it deserves because it is a key factor in the domestic killings being witnessed, the latest being the case of an administration policeman who shot dead his lover and a colleague's wife before turning the gun on himself," Dr. Kiiru said.
Pauline Nthangw'ah, the Kuppet county assistant executive secretary who is a former student of Jow Town School said the use of digital learning forums gives learners equal chances to excel.
She also appealed to parents not to hide their children with disabilities from the public and instead accord them a chance to attend school.
"I am an example that we can all achieve our dreams despite our physical conditions. Had my parents denied me the chance to attend school, I wouldn't be where I am today," Nthangw'ah stated.
