Ekiti State Government has trained mainstream teachers, therapists and special education teachers across the state on inclusive Montessori Education, as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of education personnel to be able to run inclusive curriculum, provide effective learning and support children with special needs.
The seven days capacity building training programme, which came to a close on Saturday, was held at the Government Special School for Children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, Ido Ekiti, and had a total of 57 participants drawn from inclusive and special schools across the state.
In line with SDG 4, the programme was designed to equip participants with relevant knowledge and skills to improve teaching, learning and care for children living with various forms of disabilities, while promoting an inclusive learning environment where every child can participate and thrive.
The state has established adaptive classrooms in its special and inclusive schools as model sites. These classrooms are equipped with Montessori materials which are repurposed to support interventions for children with disabilities.
Speaking at the end of the seven-day training, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, said the training was part of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji led-administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child, irrespective of disability or learning challenges, has access to quality education and opportunity to develop his or her full potentials through an evidence-based methodology and therapy services.
Ekiti State is the first state in Nigeria to employ speech therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in public special schools.
Explaining that despite the high cost associated with the Montessori method of education, the Governor had ensured its adoption for children with disabilities. The Montessori approach was developed by an Italian physician who was asked to work with children with developmental delays. Over the years, the curriculum has proven effective in providing natural interventions for children with disabilities, in addition to therapies.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Michael Omolayo appreciated Governor Oyebanji for his continued support and commitment to strengthening inclusive education in the state.
Also in her remarks, one of the resources person at the training, Mrs Mary Robinson, a Montessori Directress, said the participants were taken through the five curriculum methods of education to furnished them with the practical understanding of the Montessori approach and how its principles could effectively be applied in teaching children, particularly those with special educational needs.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Principal of the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti, Mrs Adu Olaide Temitope, who appreciated the state government for organising the training, described it as an eye-opening and valuable experience.