Emmanuel University’s WESNED Project Trains Educators in Inclusive and Special Needs Education
Ntenthera Workshop Prepares School Leaders and Specialists to Enhance Learning for All Students
Ntenthera, 30th April 2025 – Emmanuel University’s Western Region Special Needs Education Development (WESNED) Project has taken a significant step toward promoting inclusive education by conducting a specialized training workshop for headteachers and specialist teachers. The event, held at the Ntenthera Teachers’ Development Centre (TDC) on 30th April 2025, aimed to equip educators with the skills needed to support learners with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
Workshop Focus Areas
The training aligned with Malawi’s National Inclusive Education Strategy, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education. Key topics included:
- Inclusive Teaching Methods – Adapting lesson plans, assessments, and instructional techniques for students with disabilities, including visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments.
- Policy Awareness – Understanding Malawi’s Disability Act (2012) and international frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
- Leadership in Inclusion – Headteachers discussed strategies for resource management, staff collaboration, and community involvement to create inclusive school environments.
- Practical Skills Development – Specialist teachers received hands-on training in assistive technologies, sign language, braille, and behavior management strategies.
Key Moments from the Event
- Expert-Led Sessions – Facilitators from Emmanuel University’s Faculty of Education, along with guest specialists, provided a mix of theoretical knowledge and real-world case studies.
- Action Plans for Schools – Participants developed tailored strategies to implement inclusive education practices in their institutions, with ongoing support promised by the WESNED Project.
- Innovative Tools Display – Educators explored affordable assistive devices, such as tactile learning materials and audio aids, to enhance classroom accessibility.
The workshop marks a critical effort by Emmanuel University to ensure that no learner is left behind, reinforcing Malawi’s commitment to inclusive education for all.