by Ncaba Ntshakala
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla hosted a heartfelt appreciation lunch for 40 teachers from Matsetsa and Siteki Schools for the Deaf at Summerfield Botanical Gardens recently.
The event, held as the nation prepares for schools to reopen, celebrated the teachers’ dedication, professionalism, and compassion in educating deaf pupils.
Speaking at the event, Dladla acknowledged the extra effort teachers in these schools invest by learning sign language to effectively communicate with their students.
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“Whenever I visit these schools, I am humbled by the love and care demonstrated by the teachers toward the students. Their passion and commitment are commendable,” she remarked.
The Deputy Prime Minister shared plans to create benchmarking opportunities for Eswatini’s special school teachers with institutions in first-world countries, aiming to improve teaching standards and facilities.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education, Micro-Projects, and other partners to upgrade schools like Siteki School for the Deaf and St Joseph’s, which are in dire need of improvements.
Grace Bhembe, representing Parents of Children with Disabilities, expressed deep gratitude for the teachers’ continued dedication.
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She acknowledged the challenges of raising children with disabilities and praised the teachers for their selflessness despite limited resources and incentives.
“Your work provides hope and stability for our children in ways that go beyond education,” she said.
Teachers from the two schools expressed appreciation for the DPM’s recognition and applauded government efforts to improve facilities for special education.
The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked partners like the Bible Society of Eswatini for their contributions, particularly in providing spiritual support to deaf students and their educators.