(Radio & TV Tonga, Nuku’alofa, 09/11/2016)

There are still many challenges to overcome before accomplishing Tonga’s move to ensure Inclusive Education for all in Government Primary Schools.

Inclusive Education Coordinator – Matelita Tāufa told Radio and TV Tonga News, such challenges includes few teachers, demands for special care by students according to their individual disabilities amongst others.

Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training first introduced the inclusive education pilot class in 2007 and later amended Education’s Act to legalize rights of all children under the age of 19 to formal education.

She said only two primary schools in Tonga cater for children with disabilities within the normal classrooms and they are GPS Folaha and GPS Veitongo .

She said the IE pilot class commenced at Ngele’ia Government Primary School in 2007 with 9 children.

The problem is special because one child with special needs requires one teacher-

The Ministry hopes to introduce inclusive education into normal schools in the outer islands.

This year’s Law week theme emphasizes the – RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES and inclusive education is a vital part of this philosophy.

© Radio & TV Tonga News 2016