The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (BEDTF) on Saturday commenced a six-week training aimed at overcoming learning deficiencies amongst children in public schools.
The programme is a collaboration between the BEDTF and the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB) in partnership with the Bridge Academy in United States of America.
Speaking at the opening, Dr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner of Education in Bayelsa noted that inclusive education, which emphasises special attention to students with learning disabilities would make inclusive education a reality.
Emelah, who was represented by Dr Charles Daniel, Chairman, Bayelsa Assembly Committee on Education noted that education was a priority to Bayelsa government.
He applauded the BEDTF for the training and urged the selected teachers to utilise the opportunity to accommodate children with learning difficulties.
Dr Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of the BEDTF, noted that the fund has identified a gap in the learning amongst children, noting that the learning needs of children with learning deficiencies were often neglected.
“I am happy because we are here today to learn how to handle a critical sector in our educational system which has hitherto been neglected, that is special education or to be specific, learning disabilities.
“Research has shown that every child has what it takes to be great, no matter how challenged they may be, if given extra support from those who understand them,” Atuwo said.
Dr Peremoboere Ugolo, Acting Chairman of TTRC noted that the concept of inclusive education would improve learning outcomes and urged the participating teachers and school administrators to imbibe and use the knowledge garnered.
Mrs Mabel Joel of the Bridge Institute, United States noted that she volunteered her expertise in learning disabilities to give back to her state of origin.
Joel who is the resource person delivered the training virtually from her United States base urged the benefitting teachers to go beyond participants of the training to be advocates of inclusive education.
She noted that teachers and school administrators were in a position to identify children with learning disabilities and give them the required attention by appropriate methodology to get them at par with others.
