The Bayelsa  Education Development Trust Fund (BEDTF), on Saturday, commenced a six-week training for teachers aimed at overcoming learning deficiencies among 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 the United States of America.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, 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.

Mr Emelah, who was represented by Charles Daniel, chairman, Bayelsa Assembly committee on education, noted that education remains a priority to the Bayelsa government.

He applauded the BEDTF for the training and urged the selected teachers to utilise the opportunity to accommodate children with learning difficulties.

In her remarks, Alice Atuwo, executive secretary of the BEDTF, noted that the fund had identified a gap in learning amongst children, noting that the learning needs of children with learning deficiencies were often neglected.

She explained that the training would be held in six modules every Saturday for the next six weeks.

“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.

“This is the crux of today’s training, where inclusive education is practised in every classroom. Classrooms where children with special needs are given equal treatment, learning without discrimination,” Ms Atuwo said.

Also speaking, 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.

She explained that teachers remained fundamental drivers in knowledge propagation in society and so are crucial in translating educational policies and in moulding the character of children under their tutelage.

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, where she was born and raised.

Mrs Joel, who is the resource person, delivered the training virtually from her United States base. She urged the benefitting teachers to go beyond participating in the training to be advocates of inclusive education.

She noted that children who showed signs of learning difficulties often turned out to be geniuses and great innovators who often make inventions that transform the world, adding that such children deserved inclusive learning.

Mrs Joel 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 bring out the best in Bayelsa children and help them develop their inert potential.

(NAN)