Eleven primary school teachers from schools in Lae, Goroka and Popondetta received Applied Diplomas in Special Education yesterday (May 4) at the University of Goroka (UOG), after completing a two-year course in Special Education.
The course -delivered by the Callan Services National Unit (CSNU) with support from the Australian Government’s Disability Inclusive Development Fund- has equipped the graduates with skills to assist students with special needs.
Primary school teacher Wendy Kaweda (front row, first from the left), was among ten women who graduated today. She said the course enables teachers to communicate more effectively with special needs students.
“The program has provided me with the skills to engage better with students with special needs, particularly hearing impaired students. I am now able to use sign language effortlessly to interact with the students, which helps me to understand them and support their learning.”
CSNU Highlands Regional Coordinator James Knox said the Special Education course is designed to ensure that graduates are equipped with the right skills to facilitate learning for students with special needs.
“The Applied Diploma in Special Education is a two-year program comprising theory and practical sessions. It is structured specifically to equip teachers with the knowledge, understanding, attitude and skills to teach and support children with disabilities in schools in PNG.”
The applied diploma program includes Core units (General Special Education), Specialisation units (Learning Difficulty and Hearing Impairment) and Practicum units (Practice Evidence Based Skills and Strategies with Children).
Australia is providing K8 million over four years to help children with disability access education that meets their needs. This includes ensuring teachers are equipped to support and provide assistive devices and raising awareness of the rights of children with disabilities.
Australia is internationally recognised as a leading donor in disability-inclusive development and believes that including people with disabilities in development efforts is integral to achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
Press Release from the Network of Callan Services National Unit
