International Day of Education: Sightsavers calls for inclusion of children with disabilities in learning

By Palma Ileye

Sightsavers Nigeria, has called on governments, organisations, and communities to take action to ensure that inclusive education becomes a reality for all children with disabilities.

In a press release issued by Sightsavers Communications Associate, Joy Tarbo, to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Education on January 24th, the International Development Organisation noted that round the world an estimated 244 million children were not in formal education, and Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out of school children of any country.

Sightsavers stated that these children include the most marginalised learners, especially children with disabilities.

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

On inclusion, Sightsavers Program Manager for Social inclusion, Esther Angulu said: “We call on governments and communities around the world to take action to so that children with disabilities can have the same opportunities to learn as their non-disabled peers”.

Angulu added: “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”.

She further explained that in Nigeria, Sightsavers has been working with government and partners on SMILE, an inclusive education project for children with disabilities in Kaduna state.

This project she said was creating a locally driven and sustainable model of disability-inclusive education in eight schools in Jema’a saying Godson, a child with visual impairment who goes to one of the schools, has said that it is the first time he has been celebrated as a child with a disability, and that “my teacher and my classmates are now very supportive, caring and friendly towards me,” adding that, he hopes to be a teacher when he grows up.

Also Country Director, Sightsavers Nigeria, Dr Sunday Isiyaku said: “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”.