Between October 21 and 25, 2024, a delegation from the Universidade Pedagógica de Maputo conducted a significant pedagogical exchange at the University of Botswana. This visit, organized under the TIPOTE (Towards Inclusive and Practice-Oriented Teacher Education) project, aimed to foster collaboration and share best practices in inclusive education and support for students with special needs. The Mozambican team consisted of Key Experts Prof. Dr. Camilo Ussene, Prof. Atália Saíde, Dr. Cláudia Jovo, and Dra. Sheila Rangel.
The exchange began with a formal welcoming ceremony led by the UB Dean of Education, Professor Nnyepi, which set the stage for presentations from the University of Botswana, Universidade Pedagógica de Maputo, and ISET ONE-WORLD. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor for Education, Professor Richard Tabulana. The first day concluded with robust discussions comparing inclusive education policies, government frameworks, and student support services in both Botswana and Mozambique.
A major focus of the visit was observing practical, on-the-ground applications of inclusive teaching. The team toured a center dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and observed various classroom settings. A particularly inspiring moment occurred during a sign language class attended by students from English, Special Education, and Environmental Education courses. This class was partially led by a Deaf PhD student, demonstrating a powerful, practical approach to inclusive instruction.
The delegation also visited Ledumang Primary School, which is notable for its model of integrating students with diverse needs into regular classrooms. The school categorizes students into those who are "educable" (integrated with peers) and "stimulable" (focused on practical learning activities). Additionally, the experts participated in a laboratory session at the Braille Lab alongside students specializing in visual impairment support.
To understand inclusive education on a national scale, the team visited the Tlokweng Central Resource Center of Central Education. This facility serves as a national hub, providing support methodologies for students with special needs from across Botswana.
The exchange concluded with a strategic meeting featuring the Dean of Education, Professor Kgomotso Garegare, and representatives from the Department of Educational Foundations. The meeting focused on finalizing impressions and outlining future partnership opportunities to implement more inclusive university programs. The University of Botswana showcased impressive infrastructure and support programs, providing the Mozambican delegation with valuable insights to enhance student support services and promote more robust inclusive education practices back home.
