Guiriko:The Minister of Basic Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages, Jacques Sosthène Dingara, recently visited the Niènéta 'A' school to attend a class for children with disabilities. This visit was part of his initiative to observe the educational reforms for the 2026-2027 school year aimed at enhancing learning and participation for children with disabilities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, during the visit, Minister Dingara witnessed a deaf student, Ben Yacine, reading sentences aloud from the blackboard using sign language. Despite his challenges, Ben managed to pronounce some words with the assistance of his teacher, who guided him through difficulties using appropriate signs. This interaction highlighted the collaborative teaching methods adapted to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
In Ben Yacine's mixed-ability class, he is accompanied by 15 other students, each facing unique challenges, including behavioral issues. This setting exemplifies the advancements possible when educational practices are tailored to accommodate each child's needs, emphasizing the importance of teacher engagement in promoting student participation.
The educational reforms for the 2026-2027 school year underscore the commitment to inclusive education, aiming to create a school environment where every child is welcomed and supported, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. The focus extends beyond enrollment, emphasizing the active participation of each student in learning activities.
In the Guiriko region, efforts to foster inclusivity are evident with the establishment of 11 new Transitional Inclusion Classes (CTIS) for the 2026-2027 academic year. These include 7 classes in braille and 4 in sign language, a significant increase from the previous year, which recorded only two braille classes and none in sign language. This expansion is part of the broader strategy to enhance support systems for students with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.