By Omowunmi Bello,
Given the circumstances surrounding the global pandemic since March 2020, learners with disabilities in developing countries such as Nigeria have been excluded from educational resources as opposed to their non-disabled peers who access remote learning and adapt to several learning opportunities during this period.
That is why Special Needs Initiative for Growth, a Non-Governmental Organization in Nigeria uses a variety of training techniques so that children with disabilities such as Autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, blindness and Down syndrome can learn according to differing and preferred learning styles. We also employ a flexible approach not only to content but to goals, methods, materials and assessment techniques.
In order to address the educational and social inequity of learners of disabilities in Nigeria, Sifax Group which is a group of companies with investment in Maritime, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Haulage & Logistics, Financial Services and Hospitality donated STEM and Robotics to learners with disabilities in a non-governmental organization known as Special Needs Initiative For Growth.
The goal is to proffer recommended learning objectives to equip the special needs educators or trainers so they can transfer the right skills to Children with disabilities.
Mr Muyiwa Akande, the Corporate Affairs Manager for Sifax Group stated that this support will go ahead to build the capacity of special educators, children and early adults with disabilities so that the lessons and competency they gain can enable their skills to match the demand in the job market. Also, Mr Muyiwa appreciated the Special Needs Initiative For Growth for using their programs in STEM and Robotics to create public awareness on how persons with a disability must be perceived positively about their capabilities and skills so that they can attain decent jobs or self jobs which is likely to address poverty among persons with disabilities, thus enabling them self reliant.
Racheal Inegbedion, the founding executive director of the Special Needs Initiative For Growth stated that the organization uses ICT in a variety of training techniques so that learners with disabilities such as Autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, blindness and Down syndrome can learn according to differing and preferred learning styles. She also stated that they employ a flexible approach not only to content but to goals, methods, materials and assessment techniques.
The Creative Director in the person of Amdi Salam and the Financial Director in the person of Omowonuola Akintunde expressed their appreciation to Sifax Group stating that this will go on to improve the standards of inclusive and quality education for children with intellectual disabilities in Lagos State Nigeria.
