The Educational Advancement Centre (EAC) has urged educators to create inclusive classrooms that cater to the diverse needs of children. At the EAC Education Futures Forum, marking the organisation's 30th anniversary, EAC emphasised that every learner should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their learning abilities. The forum, themed "Celebrating Legacy: Inspiring the Future," brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance education for all. EAC's call for inclusivity aims to ensure that no child is left behind.
EAC's founder, Pastor (Mrs) Adeola Bamgbose, reflected on the organisation's journey since its establishment in 1996 with just three students. Over the years, EAC has grown to become an institution with over 10,000 alumni worldwide. Bamgbose stated that the organisation's experience with a blind student in 2011 deepened its understanding of the need to identify and respond to educational needs that may not be immediately visible. This experience reinforced EAC's commitment to inclusive education.
Bamgbose highlighted the need for greater attention to children with hidden disabilities, such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and sensory-processing challenges. She advocated for classrooms designed to accommodate diverse learners, increased use of technology as an assistive tool, and greater empowerment of teachers to recognise abilities in children with disabilities. By doing so, EAC aims to create a more supportive learning environment.
Dr Bunmi Fola Bolumole, a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and lecturer at the University of Ibadan, also spoke at the forum. Bolumole stressed the importance of early identification and appropriate support for children with special educational needs. He emphasised that difficulties with attention, communication, language, or learning should not lead to the conclusion that a child is incapable.
Bolumole's presentation, titled "Identifying and Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities," highlighted the need for educators to be aware of the diverse needs of their students. By providing the right support, educators can help children with special needs to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. EAC's advocacy for inclusive classrooms aligns with Bolumole's call for early identification and support.
The EAC Education Futures Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance education for children with diverse needs. The forum showcased EAC's commitment to inclusive education and its efforts to create a more supportive learning environment. By promoting inclusive classrooms, EAC aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
EAC's advocacy for inclusive education has significant implications for the education sector. By creating classrooms that accommodate diverse learners, educators can help to reduce the gap in educational outcomes between children with and without disabilities. EAC's efforts to promote inclusive education will continue to inspire educators and policymakers to create a more equitable education system.
Key points
- EAC calls for inclusive classrooms to support diverse learners
- Organisation emphasises need for early identification and support for children with special educational needs
- EAC advocates for greater empowerment of teachers to recognise abilities in children with disabilities
