An extra hand really helps

When schools allow NGOs and volunteers to help children with special needs and teachers handle the curriculum, learning outcomes improve significantly

Some parents of children with special needs have been seeking admission in government schools for the flexibility it offers both the children and their parents, thanks to a circular by the Director of School Education. The order issued in September 2019 allows for participation of non-governmental organisations or volunteers in government schools to improve the learning outcomes of children, with the consent of the school head. “Such interventions may include remedial teaching, deputing volunteers, counselling, organising sport activities and conducting health check-ups,” reads the note. It also states that the school heads should keep the chief educational officers informed about such interventions, so that the genuineness of the work done by the NGO/volunteer can be verified.