Place of Liberty Nursery and Primary School, Lagos, recently marked its 5th Founder's Day Anniversary and the 2nd anniversary of its vocational school for children with special needs. The event, held under the theme "A Journey of Hope, A Future of Possibilities," brought together school administrators, staff, parents, volunteers, donors, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the institution and its pupils. The school has been providing free education, therapy, care, and skills development for indigent children with special needs for five years.
The School Administrator, Mrs. Olufunke Lipede, expressed gratitude for the journey so far, describing the anniversary as a testament to the belief that every child, regardless of their circumstances or special needs, possesses unlimited potential. She noted that the school was established five years ago with a commitment to creating an environment where children with special needs could receive education, care, and opportunities to develop their abilities. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Very Rev. Akinola Oluwole and Mrs. Modupe Oluwole, whose legacies of compassion and service continue to inspire the work of the institution.
The guest speaker, Thomas Unu, who was born with cerebral palsy, encouraged the children and their families not to allow disability to define the limits of their lives. He emphasised the importance of discovering individual strengths and providing people with the right environment and support to develop them. Unu shared aspects of his personal journey, including his experiences with education and the barriers he encountered due to his physical condition. He urged the children not to give up on themselves, stressing the importance of perseverance, education, support, and self-belief.
Sajolu Wole, part of the school's leadership and advocacy efforts, said the five-year journey had produced significant changes in the lives of the children. He noted that the school had witnessed improvements in the children's communication, mobility, confidence, and ability to participate in activities. Some children who initially required significant assistance have progressed to taking part in activities such as leading the national anthem, performing cultural dances, and acquiring vocational skills.
The school provides specialised support, including speech therapy, physiotherapy, and visual assistance, while its teachers receive Montessori training relevant to working with children with special needs. Periodic assessments are carried out not only for the children but also with their parents to monitor their development both at school and at home. The vocational programme was established to prepare older children for life beyond the main school by equipping them with practical skills that could enable them to earn a living.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adebisi Sosan, commended Place of Liberty for its work in providing education and skills development for children with special needs. She emphasised the importance of love and inclusion, saying children with special needs should not be treated as outcasts. Sosan highlighted the importance of inclusive education, noting that creating inclusive classrooms in public schools could help children with special needs participate more fully alongside other children.
The Head of the Vocational School, Sintemiye Adams, explained that she has worked with children with special needs for more than 20 years, with the last five years spent at Place of Liberty. The vocational programme caters to different age groups, and older pupils are trained in various practical skills, including the production of home-care products and other items. Adams described skills acquisition as a form of liberation, explaining that the objective is to give the children practical abilities that they can use to become more independent.
Key points
- The school has provided free education, therapy, care, and skills development for indigent children with special needs for five years.
- The vocational programme was established to prepare older children for life beyond the main school by equipping them with practical skills that could enable them to earn a living.
- The school's work has produced significant changes in the lives of the children, including improvements in communication, mobility, confidence, and ability to participate in activities.
