by Emmanuel Ikhenebome/Sinafi Omanga
Benin – In its bid to boost learning amongst persons living with disabilities in Edo state, the Network for the Advancement of Persons with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) has donated educational materials to special schools in Benin City.
NAPVID which donated the materials to the schools on Wednesday in the state capital, noted it was part of its “Get Your Child to School (GYCS): disability is not a barrier campaign”, aimed at encouraging parents and guardians of physically challenged children and wards.
According to the Executive Director of NAPVID, Barr. Melody Omosah, the event is part of strategy to achieve the objectives of ‘Get Your Child To School’ campaign.
Omosar said it is to boost the morale as well as serve as incentive for students with disabilities in the “special” educational institutions in the state.
He commended the teachers of the schools, while urging the pupils to remain steadfast in their educational pursuit regardless of their physical challenges.
“I was in this school about forty years ago, today I am Barrister because I did not allow my condition to deny me education. Education is foundamental to human existence and every child is entitled to it.
“It is on this note that I want to commend government for making basic education free for all children. The teachers who are doing their best for these special children, it takes passion and true calling to do this job. God will definitely repay you for the services you are rendering”, Barr. Omosah remarked
Also, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Joan Oviave lauded NAPVID for promoting special education and sustaining it partnership with the board over the years.
The SUBEB chairman who was represented at the occasion by Anita Obasuyi appreciated the teachers for their efforts towards imparting in the special pupils.
Heads of the schools, Enobakhare Fabulous, Iwusa Shaibu and Owoeye Josephine expressed appreciation to NAPVID and Edo State government for their support to the institutions.
Items donated to the school for visually impaired include breille sheets, typing sheets, slates/stylus frames, typewriters, and notebooks.
The school for the developmentally challenged received footballs, building blocks, wall charts, mats, markers, cardboard papers, cryons, notebooks, magnetic alphabet/numbers.
Also, the school for the hearing impaired received educational tapes, pictorial charts, flash cards, cardboards papers, footballs, building blocks, cryons, magnetic alphabets/numbers, colour makers, notebooks and branded bags.
