The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has joined other stakeholders across the globe to advocate for Inclusive play based early childhood education.
On this year’s WE RING THE BELL organized by The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) with support from Liliane Fonds, The National Director of TLMN, Dr. Sunday Udo represented by Mrs. Orowo Stephen, The head, Human Resources and Admin, TLMN said that theme of 2023 WE RING THE BELL is Inclusive Play-based Early Childhood Education (IEPCE).
“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”.
Speaking further, she stated that TLMN believes 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”.
“IPECE offers many opportunities for children with disabilities, such as
improvements in social, emotional and behavioural development,
language and recognition, self-reliance,
positioning, mobility
prevention from complexity/severity of disability”.
She proposed that when all these are done in a playful way with games that are suitable for these children and which can offer the correct amount of stimulation in a safe environment with diverse practitioners from the rehabilitation, education, social, remedial-pedagogical and psychological/mental health sectors.
Earlier, she pointed out that We ring the bell provided an opportunity to make noise as well as sending message to government and other stakeholders that all children including those with disabilities have right to Education.
She informed that WE RING THE BELL is a worldwide, annual advocacy campaign on Inclusive Education carried out in 20 countries since 2015.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission For Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu ably represented by Mr. Olasoji Adewale, Director, Planning Research and Statistics called for the support of the initiative by all stakeholders by creating awareness so that every nooks and crannies of the society.
Speaking further, he stated that NCPWD is open for partnership and collaboration with organization to ensure that Inclusive Education is fully implemented.
He reminded that inclusive education among other issues were captured in Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 and it is the duty of the Commission to ensure compliance.
The Director, Department of Special Needs Education, Mr Jonah Aturu represented by Mrs Amalu Angela, the Assistant Director said that they are committed in changing the attitudinal narrative from discrimination to total inclusion and acceptance of Learners with disabilities in our public institutions.
She said that they operates a wide open door policy in cross breeding of ideas and partnering with any organisation or individuals in ensuring the accomplishment of this mission.
She committed to the adoption of Inclusive Play-Based Early Childhood Education And other modern teaching techniques.
The Director, JKS Orphanage home, Kubwa, Abuja, Mrs. Nifemi Adams speaking at the the event said that every child can learn including children with disabilities.
She urged parents not to abandon the children with disabilities, they need love and care from their parents to excel like other children.
The Executive Director, Disability Advancement Initiative DAI, Mr. Obinna Ekujereonye reminded that Education is very important for persons with disabilities and one way persons with disabilities can have access to Education is Inclusive Education, enabling all learners to learn in the same setting.
“This will enable children with disabilities to learn and grow” he added.
Mrs. Geraldine Gbemisola Alade, Co-convener, Engraced Ones urged parents to support their children to acquire education by equipping themselves with knowledge that would be helpful to their children.
The event that brought together stakeholders ranging from Caregivers, Parents of Children with disabilities, Persons With Disabilities, Organization Of Persons With Disabilities, Schools and Government Agencies provided an avenue on discourse on the theme of the year asking pertinent question if it should be adopted as a system of learning.
Participants present reacted to this question after a video Presentation showcasing how IEPCE can be applied in our schools.
They Proposed the following:
- IEPCE should be adopted as a means of learning in primary and secondary schools.
- Government Agencies should work closely with CSOs, Parents and Caregivers for a robust implementation strategy on Inclusive Education
- There should be improved incentive for teachers working with children with disabilities
- There should be training for all teachers on Inclusive Education
- All schools should be made inclusive including private schools
- All States should domesticate Inclusive Education Policy
- All Stakeholders working On Inclusive Education should adopted a unified strategy towards the implementation of the policy.
The Engraced Ones provided excitement and glamour to the event with the display of fashion and exceptional dance performance by children with disabilities.
The high point of the event was the ringing of the bell where stakeholders present took turn to ring the bell and commit to the implementation of National Policy On Inclusive Education.
