Experts canvass inclusive schooling model

STAKEHOLDERS in Nigeria’s education sector have advocated a paradigm shift where both the Typically Developed Children (able-bodied) and those with any forms of disability – be it mental, visual, physical, financial among others could learn and interact in same environment.

This, they stressed constitutes inclusiveness as being propagated by various charters on the rights of the child to education devoid of discrimination and segregation.

At a forum, organised by The Learning Craft in partnership with West Wood Ikoyi Hotel and Wellman with the theme: “All Children Can Learn” in Lagos at the weekend, the educators and administrators noted that categorisation of schools was not only inimical to the cognitive development and social well-being of the children, but also goes against the spirit and intent of the United Nations (UN) Charter on the rights of the child to education.

Speaking on the topic, ‘‘Inclusive Education in 21st Century Contemporary Classrooms,” the Education Administrator of Corona Schools’ Trust Council, Mrs. Maureen Ihonor, stressed the need for harmony and integration in the learning milieu. She noted that all children should be integrated in the class, adding that, “we are supposed to empathise and not sympathise.”

She queried: “Why must children go to different schools? Why segregate them?”

Ihonor averred that the UN Convention of 1989 explicitly states that every child must be given equal opportunity, because “every child has a right to good education.”

The administrator disclosed that about 15 per cent of world population, representing one billion people live with one form of disability.

She, however, urged diversity, adding that ‘‘children with disability just have a learning difference.”

Ihonor posited that for the concept to be successful, everybody, including the teachers, have to be knowledgeable.

‘‘Inclusive education is not an alternative, but a choice,” the educator asserted.

Also, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Ajapa World, Akinwunmi Braithwaite, who spoke on “Financial Literacy For Special Needs Children,” charged parents to inculcate in children fiscal discipline, saying it is important for wards to learn how to be financial independent. “Children must be educated to be productive economic citizens,” he charged.

Since children need money, Braithwaite said they must be tutored on how to make money and internalise the ESS concept of ‘Earn, Spend and Save.’

To the Coordinator and Co-Founder of The Learning Craft, Mrs. Rhoda Odigboh, who made presentation on “Can All Children Learn?” separate education is not an equal opportunity.

She noted that notwithstanding challenges bedevilling the sector, inclusive education was imperative, adding that “children with special needs learn better and more in inclusive schools.”