BY CHRIS ALEX
Pinalita Kabokera, a dedicated trainee at the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre (DTSC) from Western Province, has issued a heartfelt call for authorities to recognize and address the pressing needs of special schools.
Kabokera, who began her training at the DTSC this year, has faced numerous challenges that have raised critical questions about the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in society.
During her time at the DTSC, Kabokera experienced firsthand the difficulties that students with disabilities encounter.
“Why are people with disabilities always left out in our societies?” she asked, emphasizing the urgent need for greater support and recognition from community leaders and responsible authorities.
“We are part of the communities, and we really need support from everyone to push us forward to achieve our goals,” she stressed.
One of the most pressing issues Kabokera highlighted is the inadequate physical environment of special schools.
At Bethesda DTSC, dormitories are frequently threatened by flooding during the rainy season due to poor location and infrastructure.
Emergency evacuations to school halls have become a distressing norm, highlighting the urgent need for safer, more accessible facilities.
“In rainy seasons, our dormitories are overrun with floodwaters, forcing students to flee to higher grounds,”
“It’s the saddest thing; sometimes, not all of us can make it quickly enough, which puts us at greater risk and burdens our staff with the responsibility of managing such crises,” Kabokera said.
Her remarks call for immediate attention to the poor infrastructure and health conditions at the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre.
Her experiences shed light on the broader issues faced by individuals with disabilities in the Solomon Islands, where systemic barriers often hinder access to education and support.
As Kabokera continues her training, her advocacy serves as a reminder of the critical need for investment in special education facilities.
Photo: Supplied
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