The Kaduna State Government has distributed assistive learning devices to learners with disabilities under the Reaching Out-of-School Children (RoOSC) Project implemented by the Kaduna State Ministry of Education.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening inclusive education and improving access to learning opportunities for children living with disabilities across the state. It also forms part of broader efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and ensure no child is left behind in the education system.
Speaking at the distribution event held in Kaduna, RoOSC Project Coordinator, Ezra Angai, explained that the programme will be implemented across all 23 local government areas of the state. The exercise took place at LGEA Sheikh Gumi Model Primary School, Tudun Wada.
He noted that the intervention specifically targets children with disabilities who were identified during enrolment and medical assessment exercises carried out under the project.
According to him, about 400 learners are expected to benefit from the distribution of various assistive materials, including bilateral back slabs, wheelchairs, ankle weights, standing boxes, protective spectacles, prescription glasses, and cleaning cloths.
He added that over 30 children had already received prescription eyeglasses following recommendations from medical screenings conducted by health professionals.
Mr Angai explained that each device was provided based on individual medical needs identified during assessments, ensuring that learners receive the exact support required to participate effectively in classroom activities.
The RoOSC Project, supported by development partners including Save the Children International, the Education Above All Foundation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and UNICEF, aims to reintegrate 100,000 out-of-school children into formal education.
The distribution exercise will cover beneficiaries across the three senatorial zones of the state.
Officials also encouraged communities to actively support the identification and enrolment of out-of-school children, noting that trained caseworkers have been deployed across various communities for this purpose.
A representative of Save the Children International, Emmanuel Umbusa, stated that the initiative not only focuses on returning children to school but also ensures learners with disabilities receive targeted academic and physical support.
He added that beneficiaries were selected through detailed mapping and medical assessments conducted in collaboration with partner hospitals and education agencies, while also including catch-up learning programmes for different learning levels.
The State Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Suleiman Abdullaziz, urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the devices, stressing that disability should never be seen as a barrier to education or success.
He also warned against the resale of the items, noting that they were provided strictly for personal use to improve learning outcomes and quality of life.
Traditional leader of Sabon Gari Tudun Wada, Mohammed Usman, commended the initiative and encouraged parents to ensure proper use and maintenance of the distributed materials.
Parents of beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government and development partners, noting that the intervention would significantly improve the learning abilities and daily lives of the children.
One parent, Jonathan Embraham, described the support as life-changing and appreciated the government for prioritizing children with disabilities in educational planning.
The RoOSC Project continues to serve as a key intervention under Kaduna State’s education reform agenda, focusing on inclusion, access, and reducing the population of out-of-school children across the state.
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +