11/14/2010

Martyn's Visit & Report

Back in November Martyn Ryan visited West Special School to gather information to help further the project. Below I have included bits of his research and observations:

"Arrived and met Evelyn, Wycliffe and Pastor Job. After a meal and polite chat we were taken to the school. This is a single run down classroom, which previously probably operated as a shop. Children were sat at desks quite well behaved and seemed pleased to see their visitors, but one single room which is relatively cramped is inadequate."

"We did video type interviews with most of the children, with Wycliffe talking about the children. We also videoed interviews with a supporter of the school, who is the owner of the property they rent, plus some parents and teachers."

"We went to one of the children’s own home and met with his parents.
We also had a meeting with a number of officials at the local Education Offices, which was particularly useful, and clarified the schools current position. We also were taken to the land they have purchased. "

"Such children are generally not cared for properly by their parents as they have no prospect of being a wage earner at the end of the day. In a number of cases they have been abused and/or left on their own for long periods of time."


Immediate Attention:

"The school needs to move, and either has to put up temporary buildings on its new land quickly, so it can continue, OR move into more adequate premises, which the local education authority would find acceptable, and enable it to move forward to registration. Any new premises do not need to have accommodation facilities, just basic school facilities. Assumed they would stay in these premises while building on the new school took place."

"Teaching aids and resources are poor. You should immediately start sourcing these from western special schools that are probably throwing such items out. Software specifically for the deaf and mentally challenged all need sourcing. These would be useful in the new premises again before building work starts. All of these such items could be brought by individuals in extra suitcases when they visit during 2011."