Special Education: NASRDA calls for inclusive astronomy education
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has buttressed the need for impaired students to be included in astronomy education for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career promotions.
Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (NASRDA-CBSSA), domiciled in Enugu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Okere’s call followed the agency’s recent two-day workshop where 170 visually and hearing-impaired students at Special Education Centre, Oji River, Enugu State were trained.
The workshop, he said, was organised in collaboration with the International Astronomical Union’s Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU-OAO).
Okere said that astronomy was a study that could stimulate curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
“Under equity, nobody should be disenfranchised of astronomy education, irrespective of their challenges they should be exposed to astronomy education basics.
“Astronomy deals with the stars, galaxies, the Earth, space and introducing those with impairments to areas like sonic astronomy can evoke curiosity.
“Exposure to astronomy can make one to develop interest in STEM careers because impairment should not be a barrier to scientific potential,’’ he said.
He further said that having role models who were impaired and pursuing careers in STEM could also be an encouragement to younger ones.
The director also said that astronomy was a study without boundaries, adding that impaired students could leverage the power of the mind to shape their lives and future endeavours.
Mr Peter Okagu, National Outreach Coordinator of (IAU-OAO), stressed the need for such trainings to be replicated in different parts of the country.
Okagu said that lots of children were being left out and could hardly have a defined career path because they were not exposed to education such as astronomy.
“The science of astronomy is a tool for self-discovery and special needs children must not be deprived of that privilege,’’ he said.
The workshop, the second in the series, focused on inclusive astronomy education for Nigerian children with special needs and targeted to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) three, four and five.
The workshop also adopted tactile, audio learning methods to educate the participants, delved into topics like Planets of the Solar System, Telescopes, Rockets, Galaxies, the Role of Astronomy in Improving Mental Health, among others.
The Special Educational Centre hosts schools for the blind, visually impaired, deaf and dumb, vocational schools for people with special needs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
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