The Education for All Cluster, a USAID funded educational project and implemented by Palladium says stakeholders are key to achieving inclusive education system in Sokoto state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is tagged ”USAID-Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE)” anchored by six nongovernmental organisations in the state.
Speaking at the closeout meeting in Sokoto, one of the Cluster leaders, Mr Edayi Edison, described stakeholders’ role as critical toward actualising the inclusive education system where both normal and disable children will study under one roof.
Edison solicited the support and cooperation of civic society organisations, government agencies and individuals to ensure right implementation of inclusive system and gender policy in the state.
According to him, the state government has signed the gender policy and disability discrimination laws in the state which serve as bedrock to the implementation of inclusive education.
Edison, from Young and Useful Generation Initiative (YUGI) explained that the law became significant milestone in the improving the lives of persons living with disabilities in the state.
Another Cluster member, Malam Suleiman Musa, from Albarka Initiative, said 36 advocacy visits to relevant government and non governmental agencies were conducted.
Musa said about 772 participants comprising 599 males, 173 females and 26 physically challenged persons were reached within the four months of cluster activities adding that 24 media personnel and stakeholders engagements were also conducted.
Another Cluster member, Alhaji Isa Usman, underscored the importance of implementation of sustainability plan of the project in order to upscale and sustain the achievements reversed so far.
Usman solicited stakeholders continue partnership, understanding and cooperations inclusive education system and gender policy in the state.
In her contribution, Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim, stressed that inclusive education policy entails providing equal play ground for citizens to access education at different levels without descrimination on disability status.
Mr Faruk Katune from DIJAN Initiative canvassed for state government official committment and non state actors collaborations and partnerships to source for finding and other support as the present projected ended.
Also speaking, Malam Mamuda Galadima, from State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) said state government ensured provision of ramps for easy passages in public infrastructures including classes, toilets and other structures in our schools.
Galadima added that government provides biles for blind students and other relevant educational materials in accordance with inclusive education system.
Mr Olowu Claude from Rural Women and Youth Development (RUWOUD), led participants to delivered respective performances, achievements, challenges and way forwards. NAN