EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

REPORT

TITLE: EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN BAUCHI STATE.

The objective of this project is: To Provide qualitative Education to Children with Disabilities (CWDs) including Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) through inclusiveness.

The National Policy on Education (2004) states that “every Nigerian child shall have a right to equal educational opportunities irrespective of any real or imagined disabilities each according to his or her ability.”

While the “Roadmap for Nigerian Education Sector of Federal Ministry of Education 2009 also stated that “The children in our schools need to be guaranteed quality education in learner environment that results in high learning outcomes.”

In line with the above policies, Challenge Your Disability Initiative (CYDI) projected that through the provision of education and skills to children with disabilities, the number of street beggars will reduce and “drop-outs.”This should impact positively on the wellbeing of children with disabilities.

CYDI School, Basic Statistics - 2011:

1. Primary 1: Male – 16, Female – 14 = 30 (Physically Challenged – 6, Learning Disabilities – 2, Hearing impaired – 2 and Orphans & Vulnerable Children – 20.
2. Primary 2: Male – 18, Female – 12 (Physically Challenged – 4, Learning Disabilities – 2 and orphans and Vulnerable Children – 20
3. Primary 3: Male – 16, Female – 14 (Physically Challenged – 8 and Orphans & Vulnerable Children 22

     A block of 3 classrooms and an office/store at CYDI permanent site

Challenge Your Disability Initiative’s permanent site is situated in a rural suburb where the children do not attend school (especially those with disabilities and OVCs). The plan from 2012 academic session is to expand the Basic Education Program from primary 3 to JSS. This will enable not only Children with disabilities (CWDs) and OVCs but the children within the locality to access formal education.

Progress/Plans:

CYDI’s Basic Primary School was established in 2007 and currently has 90 pupils in class 1-3.

CYDI provided over 158 children with: uniforms, school pack, school fees, lunch, etc. Other school children interact freely with the children with disabilities there by breaking the myths and stigma attached to disabilities.

CYDI has enrolled 28 children with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children into her primary 1 program. The 2011/12 school session resumes at Zurtu – Miri (Permanent Site), Bauchi Local Government Area on 19th September 2011.

As at November 17^th 2011, 44 pupils are mainstreamed into 7 different public schools in the 2011/2012 academic session.  This brings the number of mainstreamed pupils to 68 in the last 2 academic sessions. More are expected.

CYDI projected that through the provision of education and skills to children with disabilities, the number of street beggars and “drop-outs” will reduce. This should impact positively on the wellbeing of PWDs.

The project will educate Children with disabilities in Bauchi, Bauchi State – Nigeria by providing each child with school fees, school packs, school uniforms, 1 meal (lunch) a day, transporting children to and from school, occasional payment of medical bills.

Education will boost the self-esteem, build confidence and protect the child with disability from stigma as they school along side/together with children without disabilities. It will also provide equal opportunities for employment and business with others.

CYDI is seeking admissions for 3 PWDs youth who dropped out at Junior Secondary level due to environmental and lack of parental encouragement. These youths (19-21 years old) have taken to streets begging which was against their will. 

Quotes:

“As a teacher, having children with disabilities in class reminded of many issues I took for granted.”

“I thought CWDs’ are the streets. They have great minds too.”

“I am ready to overcome all challenges that could discourage me to drop out.”

“Seeing these children, help me appreciate their parents especially – mothers.”

Case Stories:

Mr. Adamu abubakar is 9 years old. Adamu has …. other siblings. He could not go to school before now because of distance and disabling condition. Mr. Adamu Abubakar lives with the complications and effects of burns he sustained about 5 years ago. According to his parents, the aspect of physiotherapy was neglected during his treatment and care; largely due to ignorance and financial ability. Adamu  is from a polygamous family. He has 7 siblings and he is the 3^rd out of 6 to his mother.

The father (Mal. Abubakar) is a community. He claimed that his son – Adamu, was enrolled in a school but later dropped out. However, the reasons are that, he could walk along side his peers/siblings due to his disabling condition. More so, they have to cross a major road (trunk A) in addition to distance from his home (3 kilometer). All Adamu’s siblings are in school except himself.

Adamu Abubakar and his parents are happy that he can now attend school with his community (less than 500 meter) devoid of any risk. Furthermore, the presence of other children with disabilities encourages him. “I am happy to be in school. I can now say my future is bright.”

Appreciation:

Your support has been of immense help to “educate children with disabilities.” Thank you so much for a part of this project. We are encouraged. Your continuing partnership and donation(s) will keep us on tract.

Together WE CAN achieve more and create the desired change.

Summary:

The numbers of children with disabilities and schools have increased. This is expected to keep rising.  As a supporter of this cause/project; we are open to receive new ideas and learn from you or other best practices. What are your views or feelings about our operations/approaches to gain wider support?