TQM report,
Joy to the World Special Needs Initiative (JWSNI) on Thursday in Abuja celebrated the 2020 international day for persons with disability with blind children at FCT School for the blind Jabi, Abuja. The group in line with the theme “ensuring the rights to quality inclusive education for persons with disabilities: from commitment to action” decided to reach out to these blind children to encourage them and raise their hope for a better tomorrow despite the disability.
Dr. Grace Ilori in her speech acknowledged the management of the school and expressed joy that her organization is celebrating with these amazing children.
Speaking further, she said that they are one and that is why they are here to celebrate with them and also to educate themselves on the things they need to know, create awareness about PWDS their peculiar needs as disability is diverse.
She was excited and recognized the representative of Ministry of Women Affairs Mrs. Aisha Kate Audu, Mr. Isiuwea Daniel, Barr. Catherine Edeh, and The Qualitative Magazine (TQM) crew.
Mrs. Aisha Kate Audu from the Ministry of Women Affairs in her goodwill message appreciated the JWSNI for organizing such a celebration for FCT School for the blind Jabi, and encouraged the children to be more focus because there is ability in disability; they should be more committed in what they do.
Barr. Catherine Edeh in her keynote address encouraged the children and gave them instances of people who are doing well even though they are PWDS, she told them that they should be strong, they should not listen to the negative things people are telling them rather they should listen to the positive comments and let those words guide them, they should say to themselves that they are able and they can do it.
She also said that the blind are the most brilliant and exceptional cluster group among other clusters of disability. She also said that they are future leaders, and they should fight for it, and they should understand that they are no longer where they are yesterday, they are progressing and developing though it is a gradual process but they should start with positive mindset, believe in themselves, and their self-confidence should be topnotch. She also gave them example with herself when she was growing, how she wanted to explore her world and how perseverance she is until she broke through, she encouraged and appreciated them.
Mr. Isiuwea Daniel who is also a blind person encouraged and motivated them and assured them that there is nothing that they set out to achieve that they cannot achieve. He gave them examples of some great blind persons such as Cobhams Asuquo who have distinguished himself inspite being blind. She urged them to take their condition as an opportunity to excel in life. He ended by entertaining the children with a great song.
The school choir made up of some of the blind children also sang in one of the most melodious voices in the world. It was awesome the way they sang. See the Video:
The representative of the School head teacher, Mr. Jonathan Momoh in his closing remark appreciated JWSNI for identifying with them and their needs and encouragement they gave the children which will help them to do more, if they want to. He said that the words of encouragement is not different from what the teachers has been telling them, it is left for them(children) to work on themselves and become better people. He said that they push everyone along, encouraging them as their teachers to focus, push forward and be determined.
Dr. Grace in her closing speech said that with the support of her family and friends, she is donating 10 piece of slates, 10 pieces of stylus and 10 rims of braille papers to enhance their learning, the excitements that came from these children indicates that these items are badly needed for their learning.
She told them that it is the little that she can do for now but she promised to do more if she receive more support. She then called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the school with these materials because they are very important for the education of blind people.
The children and their teachers were also entertained with good meals and drinks.
Some Pictures Of The Event:
