TUM General Secretary, Charles Kumchenga, has told Zodiak that the country's schools have lots of vacancies for such teachers to fill, but government has been reluctant, despite their organization engaging the education authorities on the matter.

"We have been engaging government on the matter but they have no interest on the matter," said Kumchenga.

He says ordinary teachers are responsible for handling special needs learners which is affecting their performances in class.

Local Government Service Commission Executive Secretary, Edwell Gwazanga, says when conducting interviews, they give equal opportunities to all candidates who have qualifications to become teachers in the country without specifying their fields.

"As the responsible office, we give an equal opportunity to all qualified teacher candidates during interview without specifying their fields. We don't conduct interviews for special needs teachers," noted Gwazanga.