Remote school in EHP accepts disabled kids

National, Normal
Source:

By ZACHERY PER

EASTERN Highlands Gotomi Primary School in Lufa is one of the first remote schools to enrol disabled children with special educational needs.
Students with disability and staff from Mt Sion Blind Centre outside Goroka town, took time out to travel to Gotomi to celebrate National Disability Day with Gotomi staff and students on March 29.
Martin Kawage, a vision impaired and former Mt Sion student who is an advocacy officer with the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Unit, said discrimination against the disabled must be dismantled for the promotion of a barrier-free inclusive society in all aspects of life.
CBR regional coordinator Marcel Pool, praised Gotomi for creating a more welcoming environment for students with special needs.
He applauded the two students with disabilities who were enrolled in the school saying if PNG wanted to see change, the people have to be the first to change.
Gotomi head teacher Betty Lokain thanked Mt Sion for accepting the invitation, particularly the blind students, for entertaining the audience with music.
Mrs Lokain also presented a school fee receipt of K80 for one of the disabled students as her personal donation.
Special event coordinator Cathy Steven asked Mt Sion to work more closely with them to enhance their network.