NGO Seeks Inclusive Education For Children With Disabilities

An International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Sightsavers Nigeria, has called on the government at all levels and other stakeholders to prioritise the inclusion of disabled children in learning to achieve sustainable development.

The Communications Assistant of Sightsavers Nigeria, Joy Tarbo,  made the call in a statement in Abuja to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Education themed, “To Invest in People, Prioritise Education.”

Tarbo stated that an estimated  244 million children across the world have no access to formal education, adding that Nigeria is on the list of countries with a high rate of out-of-school children.

“These children include the most marginalised learners, especially children with disabilities.

“Sightsavers wants everyone to know that with the right investment and education policies, all children can have access to quality education, regardless of their abilities,” she said.

The Communications Assistant official disclosed that the NGO has been in partnership with the government on SMILE, an inclusive education project for children with disabilities, in Kaduna state.

According to her, the project has resulted in a locally-driven and sustainable model of disability-inclusive education in eight schools in the Jema’a Local Government Area of the state. 

 In his remark, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director, Sightsavers Nigeria noted the impact of the project on education. 

 

“In Kaduna, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that education can have on the lives of children with disabilities and their families.

“Inclusive education is not only a basic human right but also a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development.

“We praise the government for their work on disability inclusion so far and call for them and others to continue on this path. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind in their quest for education and a better future,” Isiyaku said. 

Esther Angulu, Sightsavers Programme Manager for Social inclusion, also said:

“We call on governments and communities around the world to take action so that children with disabilities can have the same opportunities to learn as their non-disabled peers.

“With the right support and accommodation, there’s no reason why children with disabilities can’t be educated in the same classrooms and schools as non-disabled children.

“Inclusive education not only improves educational outcomes for children with disabilities but also promotes social inclusion and helps to break down barriers of discrimination.”