By Safia Abdulrahman
A Non-Governmental Organisation, The Engraced Ones, has called on governments at all levels to ensure inclusive education and stronger support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the founder of the NGO, Bibora Yinkere, said increased government backing was critical to ensure that no child is denied access to quality learning.
Yinkere said the advocacy, which started as a prayer group, evolved into a registered NGO to drive larger campaigns for inclusive schools where all children learn together regardless of ability.
According to her, the initiative aims to promote equal educational opportunities, reduce stigma, and help children with disabilities develop socially, emotionally and vocationally.
She said advocacy efforts have led to increased acceptance of inclusive education among parents and government stakeholders, with more families now embracing children with disabilities learning alongside their peers.
“Children who enrolled with us are demonstrating strong social and vocational development through shared activities, while special support is provided for learners with special needs,” she said.
Yinkere identified inadequate funding as one of the biggest obstacles to expanding inclusiveness.
She noted that limited resources had affected the provision of scholarships, recruitment of special teachers and therapists, as well as essential support services.
She also expressed concern that many states still lacked specialist educational facilities despite existing policies promoting inclusive education.
The founder urged governments at all levels to strengthen the implementation of inclusive education policies, expand special services nationwide and provide sustainable funding for schools supporting children with disabilities.
She added that the NGO would continue to engage stakeholders through advocacy, awareness campaigns and programmes to promote the rights, dignity and full inclusion of PWDs in society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu