The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) and other international non-governmental organizations have advocated for play-based early childhood education for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
They made the call Wednesday in Abuja at a one-day stakeholders’ consultative forum on inclusive education in the FCT and ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign, organised by TLMN and Liliane Foundation.
Daily Trust reports that he theme for this year’s We Ring the Bell campaign is “Inclusive Play-based Early Childhood Education”
The event is a worldwide, annual advocacy campaign on Inclusion carried out in 20 countries since 2015. It is an avenue to make noise sending the message to the government and other stakeholders that “All children have the right to education including children with disabilities”.
Speaking, James Daniel Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), represented by Olasoji Adewale, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the commission, said the commission is willing to partner concerned CSOs and other stakeholders in the country to ensure that Nigeria is free from all forms of discriminations.
He hinted that the federal government, by 2024 would begin full enforcement and implementation of the discrimination against persons with disability prohibition law.
“The commission is willing and is prepared to ensure that Nigeria is free from all forms of discrimination and by next year, the commission will start implementing the enforcement and compliance with the law. Any institution or organisation that fails to meet with the demands of the commission will face the law”, he said.
Dr. Sunday Udo, National Director, TLMN, represented by the Head, Human Resources and Administration, TLMN, Orowo Stephen, said: ” This year’s campaign focuses on ‘Inclusive Playbased Early Childhood Education’ (IEPCE), which we believe offers Children with disabilities, the opportunity to learn at their own pace using educational methods that stimulate their interest in the learning process in a safe environment. We believe that when children are identified as early as possible, they can be stimulated with suitable rehabilitation and early education interventions.
“IPECE through its unique set up offers a unique opportunity for caregivers/teachers to support the children to learn (at their own pace because it promotes a balance between exploration and imitation; teacher-led and child-initiated play; individual and group activities, and its tangible teaching and learning materials making IPECE a strong foundation for lifelong learning for all, including for children with disabilities,” Udo said.
Jonah Aturu, the Director, FCT Department of Special Needs Education, represented by Amalu Nkeiruka Angela, the Assistant Director: “We are indeed passionate about changing the atitudinal narrative from discrimination to total Inclusion and acceptance of learners and individual living with one form of disability or the other in public Institutions, particularly schools.”
Ekujereonye Obinna, Executive Director, Disability Advancement Initiative (DAI), said: “We all know that persons with disabilities need education. If they are not given education, their future won’t be bright. So, they need inclusive education. It is important for each and everyone of us, especially persons with disabilities.”
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