Group holds talent hunt show for special needs children

An educationist, Dr. Nike Akindele, has said that the plight of children with special needs should be of national interest and not be limited to affected parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers.

She made the remark at a first-of-its-kind talent hunt for children with special needs in special and inclusive schools in Lagos State organised by Inclusive Education and IEP Centre (IEIEPC), a frontline organisation for young ones with special needs.

Akindele, who was the special guest, charged the students to further strengthen their efforts to explore opportunities in life.

Commending the teachers for their dedication to the children, Akindele said they deserve praise for their adaptability, compassion and devotion to improvement, assessment and listening skills. “You are nothing but a semi-god. Thank you for giving us our babies back, for your hard work and endless love,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Principal, Modupe Cole Memorial School for Children with Disabilities, Mrs. Tejuosho Rachel Adejoke, represented by the school’s Vice Principal, Mrs. Omowunmi Adejoke Cole, said her school was elated to play host to the participating schools across the state just as she applauded the team from IEIECP on whose behest the programme was held as part of activities to mark the golden year celebration of its founder, Mr. Oyeyinka David Oluwawumi.

While noting the special ability status of the children from the participating schools, she called on the public to collaborate with parents and caregivers in developing the special abilities of children with special needs.

A total of 11 special and inclusive schools across the state participated in the one-day event held at Modupe Cole Memorial School for Children with Disabilities, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos.

The event featured presentations such as special recitation, dance by individual students and the cultural troupe of the host school, instrument playing, singing, and exhibitions of crafts in painting and drawings, hair braiding, make-up and headgear tying and cloth making.

The IEIEPC is a non-governmental organisation devoted to improving the lives of special needs persons through advocacy and enlightenment campaigns for inclusion, as well as provision of services and training for teachers, parents and stakeholders on issues of inclusive education, special education and individualised educational planning in using a multi-disciplinary approach that maximises ability and facilitates learning.