Abuja: The Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), a non‑governmental organisation, on Tuesday empowered children in three special needs schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), advancing its drive to promote inclusive education and equal opportunities for learners with disabilities.
The beneficiary schools were the FCT School for the Blind, the FCT School for Children with Special Needs in Kuje, and the Abuja School for the Deaf in Kuje.
The pupils received scholastic materials, including notebooks, pens, poster colours, pencils, Braille paper, pad banks, school uniforms, sandals, and school bags.
VDI’s Executive Director, Ms Catherine Edeh, represented by the organisation’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Edward Ogiji, said the distribution was part of the “Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Network for Transformative Education (IGNITE)” project.
She said the project, supported by the Urgent Action Fund-Africa, aims to promote access to education, menstrual hygiene, and dignity for adolescent girls with disabilities.
She added that the distribution of sanitary pad banks was also supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through the FOS Feminista Menstrual Health Dignity and Justice Project.
“Our primary focus at VDI is to raise the standard of women, girls and children with disabilities.
“These projects are designed to change perceptions around the abilities of adolescent girls with disabilities and ensure they receive the support needed to achieve their educational goals and full potential,” Edeh said.
According to her, the project aims to target 150 adolescent girls with disabilities in the FCT, to improve their self-esteem, confidence, and life skills.
“We are empowering them to believe in themselves and know that, irrespective of their disability, they can achieve whatever goal they set,” she added.
Edeh said the project also includes life skills training to help children design their future goals and take practical steps toward achieving them despite challenges.
She called on well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to support government efforts in addressing the needs of children with disabilities, stressing that “government cannot do it alone.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, was represented by Mr Ogunbiyitan Kehinde, who commended VDI for its intervention.
He described the initiative as “a thoughtful effort that demonstrates a deep understanding of the practical challenges many learners, especially girls with disabilities, face in pursuing education”.
“Education remains a powerful tool for breaking barriers and promoting equality.
“For learners with disabilities, access to the right educational materials and supportive environments is not a privilege but a fundamental right,” Gufwan said.
Also speaking, Mr Alabi Oyetimi, Desk Officer for Special Needs Education at the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), said the distributed materials would build confidence and create inclusive classrooms.
“These books and materials are more than just resources; they are bridges to inclusive learning and brighter futures,” he said.
An Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Oluchi Opara, cautioned against discrimination, saying persons with disabilities deserve equal treatment and opportunities.
One of the students, Ms Hassana Sani, thanked VDI for the gesture, saying the materials would encourage them to study harder.
