Back and Next - Back and NextIEP sensitised parents on child care
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Integrated Education Programme (IEP), last saturday, held a one day sensitisation workshop for parents, guardians and family members of the blind and low vision children on how to care and interact socially with these children, in their respective homes and communities. The sensitisation programme was held at the GOVI Resource Centre in Kanifing.
In her welcoming remarks, Ramou S. Riley, IEP national co-odinator said, since IEP came into being in The Gambia, it has being undertaking a great concern and considerations for the blind and low vision children. She described the sensitisation workshop as an important step in improving the living conditions of children.
Mrs Riley observed that the blind and low vision children are an integral part of society and urged parents, guardians and family members to condemn any form of stigma and discrimination as well as misconceptions against these children.
“In this respect, IEP is strongly on its feet to collaborate with all of you present here today, to ensure that these children enjoy the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities as people who are sighted”, she concluded.
For her part, Anna Nancy Mendy from the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education in Region One, said, the Department of State in its bid to ensure that no individual is excluded from reaping the benefits of education, highlights equitable access to basic, senior, tertiary and higher education.
She highlighted the important role that parents play in the development of their children, noting that they are the first teachers of their children and that a lot of what the child becomes in future depends on the experience given by the parents in the first years of life.
The topics covered include; the role of parents and communities in promoting the development of the IEP at community level, Common causes and detection of visual impairment and other disabilities and their referral points, and Common behaviours and
mannerism of blind and low vision children in the community, among others.
In her welcoming remarks, Ramou S. Riley, IEP national co-odinator said, since IEP came into being in The Gambia, it has being undertaking a great concern and considerations for the blind and low vision children. She described the sensitisation workshop as an important step in improving the living conditions of children.
Mrs Riley observed that the blind and low vision children are an integral part of society and urged parents, guardians and family members to condemn any form of stigma and discrimination as well as misconceptions against these children.
“In this respect, IEP is strongly on its feet to collaborate with all of you present here today, to ensure that these children enjoy the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities as people who are sighted”, she concluded.
For her part, Anna Nancy Mendy from the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education in Region One, said, the Department of State in its bid to ensure that no individual is excluded from reaping the benefits of education, highlights equitable access to basic, senior, tertiary and higher education.
She highlighted the important role that parents play in the development of their children, noting that they are the first teachers of their children and that a lot of what the child becomes in future depends on the experience given by the parents in the first years of life.
The topics covered include; the role of parents and communities in promoting the development of the IEP at community level, Common causes and detection of visual impairment and other disabilities and their referral points, and Common behaviours and
mannerism of blind and low vision children in the community, among others.
Author: by Assan Sallah
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