Education: Firm seeks support for children with special needs

An education resource firm, HIIMA International Education Network has advocated partnership in the education of special need children, saying every effort must be put in to give the children a sense of belonging.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Network, Dr. Ima Mariam Agunbiade-Etiebet said children with special needs deserve equal learning opportunities and as such education resource firms with capacities and experience in the area of special education should be engaged to give the children deserving and qualitative equal to what is obtainable elsewhere.

She said: “Lack of flexibility in curriculum, inability to fend for themselves and thus being bullied by others in the class and not getting adequate attention from the teacher are common issues facing them.

“We believe there is a need for partnership between government and those with the right knowledge of what children in this category need. The partnership is also required among private school owners and firms with resources to cater for the needs of these special students,” Agunbiade-Etiebet said.

She said her Network has developed expertise on inclusive education philosophy as schools are being advised to accommodate children with special needs with the mainstream children to encourage overall improved student learning.

The network has created a platform which encompasses all learning models to equip teachers on the best teaching practices. “And we are willing to share other expertise with other people and institutions,” she noted.