Blog Post

The Independent Observer > Headlines > Learner’s with disabilities disadvantaged during exams

Learner’s with disabilities disadvantaged during exams

The Zambia Federation of Disability Organizations (ZAFOD) says learners with special educational needs are disadvantaged during exams set by the Examination Council of Zambia.

Federal Director Justin Bbakali said there are numerous efforts being done by ECZ to ensure learners with special education needs participate in the education sector like extra time.

Mr Bbakali said despite giving extra time to learners with special education needs during exams the scripts are not accompanied by any documentation that clearly states to markers that the papers being marked are from learners with special education needs.

He said the council needs to understand that scripts from learners with special education needs who are usually given extra time also needs to guide markers that they are marking a paper of a candidate with a disability.

Mr Bbakali said the situation of candidates with special education needs losing exam transcripts needs urgent attention.

“As examination classes write their exams before the end of 2020, ZAFOD appeals to line ministries such as general education to ensure examination candidates with special education needs don’t face the same challenges in trying to find their results as such has totally demotivated such people to completely do away with school,” he said.