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8 September, 2016 |
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WCED trains teachers on dealing with FAS. Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has launched a training programme for teachers and officials on managing the impact of Foetal Alcohol Syndome (FAS) on school children. Children with FAS typically need moderate to high levels of special education support. FAS is the product of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and the poor nutritional status of mothers, resulting in cognitive impairment of children. The WCED's Inclusive and Specialised Education Support staff provide ongoing support to schools on managing the impact of FAS, in addition to training. We welcome the International FAS Awareness Day on Friday, 9 September 2016, which promotes public awareness of this tragic condition, how various agencies tackle this issue, and the role that all members of society can play in dealing with FAS. The department introduced training this year for all teachers and officials on the use of a Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) system, and Curriculum Differentiation. The training will be ongoing. FAS typically results in brain and nerve abnormalities, and often manifests as cognitive impairment, hyperactivity, irritability, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, distractibility and taking longer than normal to complete tasks. The WCED provides various levels of support, depending on the severity of the impairment. Learners with FAS may receive support from their class teacher or a Learning Support teacher in a mainstream school or Full-service, Inclusive school. The department may refer learners needing high levels of support to an appropriate Special School. The WCED works in collaboration with other government departments, including Health and Social Development, and civil society to provide support and to build awareness of the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, especially when combined with poor nutrition. This has lifelong effects for children and limits their opportunities in life. An extensive information campaign regarding the dangers of maternal drinking is crucial, as FAS is 100% preventable. The general public can help with these programmes by passing this message to all pregnant mothers and women planning to have a baby. | |
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