Educators emphasise the importance of Nigeria’s government providing focused and intentional support for children with special needs to facilitate comprehensive development for all Nigerian children. Despite some recent interest and support from the government, further action is necessary as the primary sources of support for these children are currently their parents and various organisations. They believe it is no longer enough for the government to simply acknowledge the difficulties faced by special needs children in society; concrete legislative action must be taken to tackle the issue effectively.
Kimberley Scollard, the leader of Anthos House, emphasised the importance of increasing awareness about children with disabilities and advocating for better governmental assistance for organisations dedicated to their care. Scollard emphasised at the Anthos House certificate ceremony in Lagos that there is a pressing need to improve attitudes towards people with special needs, as she addressed the 2024 Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) program. According to her, the students put in a lot of effort to meet the ASDAN standards, and she pointed out that tasks that might seem easy to some can be quite challenging for someone with special needs.
Parents urge gov’t to support schools serving special needs children.
She praised the students’ accomplishments, noting that reaching milestones such as ASDAN is truly impressive as it reflects the core motto of the program ‘I am here, I can learn, I can be part of society, and I can be successful. She mentioned that students were awarded certificates for completing various modules, such as the ‘My Community’, ‘My Friendship’, ‘My Behaviour’, ‘My Healthy Lifestyle’, and the’ FoodWise’ Modules. Furthermore, Atinuke Ogunnaike, the assistant principal at Anthos House, shared her contentment with the advancements in the ASDAN programme.
Also, she noted that several students successfully finished various pathways and full courses. She urged the government to assist schools catering to children with disabilities. In the upcoming session, Ogunnaike mentioned that the school will focus on increasing the number of hands-on activities for students. Angela Emuwa, a parent of a student at Anthos House, praised the school for its transformative impact on children with disabilities. According to Emuwa, Anthos House empowers students to cultivate independence and provides unwavering support to help them progress.
Students achieve 70 certificates for finishing various program modules.
Emuwa explained the positive impact of the ASDAN programme on her son’s development, giving him valuable cooking skills, promoting an entrepreneurial spirit, and even enhancing his modelling talents. She passionately called on the government to prioritise the well-being of individuals with special needs, urging parents to advocate strongly for their children’s rights. Emuwa’s advocacy is a powerful reminder of supporting and empowering individuals with special needs to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Delphine Misan-Arenyeka, a parent, emphasised the importance of promoting acceptance for individuals with diverse abilities within the parental and societal spheres. According to her, the children possess natural talents and skills that parents should uncover by exploring their potential and providing opportunities to thrive in those areas. She expressed disappointment over the lack of government support in areas such as employment policies and social systems. Students received 70 certificates after the program for successfully finishing different modules within their chosen programs.
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Overall, intentional government support is crucial for the holistic development of children with diverse abilities in the country. Educators, parents, and advocates call for legislative action and increased awareness to ensure these children receive the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive. By empowering children with diverse abilities and promoting an inclusive society, they can unlock the full potential of all its citizens, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. The collective efforts of schools, parents, and the government can transform their lives.