A six- week training aimed at overcoming learning deficiencies, among children in public schools, has commenced for teachers in Bayelsa State.
The training which is under the auspices of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (BEDTF) is in collaboration with the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB) and the Bridge Academy from the United Statess of America.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, Dr. Gentle Emelah, Commisioner of Education in Bayelsa State, 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 State House of Assembly Committee on Education, noted that education remains a priority to the state government.
He applauded the BEDTF for the training and urged the selected teachers to utilise the opportunity to accomodate children with learning difficulties.
In her remarks, 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.
She explained that the training would hold in six modules every Saturday, for the next six weeks.
Also speaking, Dr. Peremoboere Ugolo, acting Chairman of the 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.
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She explained that teachers remain fundamental drivers in knowledge propagation in the society, and are crucial in translating educational policies and in moulding the character of children under their tutilage.
Mrs. Mabel Joel of the Bridge Institute, noted that she volunteered her expertise in learning disabilities, to give back to her state of origin where she was born and raised.
She noted that children who show signs of learning difficulties, often turn out to be geniuses, and great innovators who often make inventions that transform the world, adding that such children deserved inclusive learning.
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.
She urged the participants to go beyond being beneficiaries of the training, to become ambassadors of inclusive education to being out the best in Bayelsa children, and help them develop their inert potentials.