…In commemoration of International Day of Education, NGOs pay tribute to vulnerable students
Experts in the field of education emphasize the need to give pride of place to inclusive education that caters to children with special needs in order to achieve lasting peace in society.
This is reflected in the 2024 International Day of Education, organized by the Smiles for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Initiative in collaboration with the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, with the theme “Learning for Enduring Peace.” It was pointed out at the event.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Samuel Oyedokun, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations and Counseling Psychology and Department of Special Education at the Lagos State University (LASU), said that he has developed a program that takes into consideration students with special needs in their studies for lasting peace operations. He advocated inclusive education.
“Only when students with special needs are allowed to learn together with other students can they find peace. After all, all humans have some kind of disability.
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“Inclusive education is the fact that children with special needs can feel at home just like any other normal human being. “They should be trained and provided with all necessary materials and equipment,” he said.
He said that inclusive education provides room for children with disabilities and non-disabled children to interact with each other, unite in the same classrooms, playgrounds, mosques, and churches, and engage in common activities to foster a sense of belonging to each other. I explained that I would give it. and other forms of collection.
“Inclusion promotes friendships among students. Children with disabilities who are part of an inclusive environment have more opportunities to learn and practice friendships, so children without disabilities also have more opportunities to learn and practice friendships. , they have a sense in their hearts that being around people with disabilities improves their self-concept, increases their social awareness, and increases their acceptance of others. It helps to alleviate and build personal principles and friendships,” he said.
In his keynote speech, LASU's former Chief Librarian Lai Adebayo praised UNESCO for dedicating January 24 every year to a day to celebrate the role of education around the world.
He encouraged Nigerians to embrace education for the many benefits that can be gained from learning.
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“Learning is the path to lasting peace. By learning, we can easily resolve conflicts. By learning, we can respect the cultures and beliefs of others. By learning. , take control of your health and know your rights, privileges, and obligations.
“Learning includes everything, regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity,” he said.
Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello, who spoke on behalf of LASU Special Intervention Director, Mr. Oseni Taiwo, said education is the foundation of progress and the key to unlocking a bright future for all. .
“Through education, we equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and values they need to build peaceful and inclusive societies,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that this year's theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace,'' has deep resonance in today's world, where people face complex challenges that need to be overcome through collective efforts. Ta.
He called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to keep in mind the tremendous benefits of learning, including conflict resolution, and to raise the bar in efforts to promote quality education for all.
In his welcome address, LASU Faculty of Education Dean Solomon Makinde said the theme was ideal at a time like this as modern society yearns for peace.
He said the Lagos State University community was experiencing progress because of peace. Therefore, according to him, many UTME candidates choose LASU as their first choice school.
“Being at peace is better than being at war,” he pointed out.
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Uriel Moma, founder of Smiles for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Initiatives, explained that one of the reasons for the initiative was to seek support to get more Nigerian children off the streets and into the classroom. did.
“We are concerned about the plight of orphans and vulnerable children. Our main concern is to increase support for orphans and vulnerable children both in and outside of orphanages. We solicit support for their education, health, food and general welfare,” he said.
Moma revealed that school children participating in the event will be given school necessities such as bags, footwear and uniforms.
