THE revelation that the European Union (EU) will this coming year roll out a K1.2 billion programme on early childhood education and development in Luapula and NorthWestern provinces which will be fully disability-sensitive and inclusive is heart-warming.
Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities.
Early childhood learning centres play a critical role in nurturing and facilitating the holistic development of young children.
It has been established by experts that early childhood education promotes brain development and helps prepare children for success in school and has positive long-term socio-economic benefits.
Establishing disability-sensitive early childhood education centres will make early childhood education accessible to all children and enable children with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers.
By creating an inclusive programme, early childhood learning centres provide an environment that fosters acceptance, empathy, and collaboration among children.
With a physical layout, amenities, and resources that are accessible to children with disabilities such as wheelchair ramps and wide hallways, the inclusive early childhood learning centres will provide an environment that allows children with disabilities to interact freely with other children without feeling excluded.
The EU also revealed that it is working together with the Government of Zambia, planning to build eight boarding secondary schools with disability-sensitive and inclusion facilities in various parts of the country.
That too is gratifying.Having separate learning facilities for children with special needs has not been particularly helpful for them.
But when children with disabilities are included in mainstream settings, they have the opportunity to develop social skills, build friendships, and learn from their peers. Inclusion promotes empathy, tolerance, and compassion among all children.
By providing individualised learning plans and addressing their specific needs, these schools will promote academic progress, mental development, and overall educational success while boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Inclusion programmes expose children with disabilities to a range of experiences and achievements, allowing them to build confidence in their abilities. Witnessing their own progress encourages them to take on new challenges and develop a positive self-image.
Participating in an inclusive programme from an early age makes children with disabilities better prepared for a life outside educational institutions. They acquire vital life skills and improve their independence, and develop a sense of belonging in a diverse society.
We can only urge the Government in collaboration with partners to use the establishment of inclusive early learning centres in Luapula and North-Western provinces as a pilot project that should eventually be rolled out to the rest of the country.
The recognition of the Government of the need to make early childhood education inclusive will go a long way in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
With the right resources and opportunities, children with disabilities can excel and reach their full potential in the early years, setting a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Inclusive early childhood learning centres good start
THE revelation that the European Union (EU) will this coming year roll out a K1.2 billion programme on early childhood education and development in Luapula and NorthWestern provinces which will be fully disability-sensitive and inclusive is heart-warming.
Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities.
Early childhood learning centres play a critical role in nurturing and facilitating the holistic development of young children.
It has been established by experts that early childhood education promotes brain development and helps prepare children for success in school and has positive long-term socio-economic benefits.
Establishing disability-sensitive early childhood education centres will make early childhood education accessible to all children and enable children with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers.
By creating an inclusive programme, early childhood learning centres provide an environment that fosters acceptance, empathy, and collaboration among children.
With a physical layout, amenities, and resources that are accessible to children with disabilities such as wheelchair ramps and wide hallways, the inclusive early childhood learning centres will provide an environment that allows children with disabilities to interact freely with other children without feeling excluded.
The EU also revealed that it is working together with the Government of Zambia, planning to build eight boarding secondary schools with disability-sensitive and inclusion facilities in various parts of the country.
That too is gratifying.Having separate learning facilities for children with special needs has not been particularly helpful for them.
But when children with disabilities are included in mainstream settings, they have the opportunity to develop social skills, build friendships, and learn from their peers. Inclusion promotes empathy, tolerance, and compassion among all children.
By providing individualised learning plans and addressing their specific needs, these schools will promote academic progress, mental development, and overall educational success while boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Inclusion programmes expose children with disabilities to a range of experiences and achievements, allowing them to build confidence in their abilities. Witnessing their own progress encourages them to take on new challenges and develop a positive self-image.
Participating in an inclusive programme from an early age makes children with disabilities better prepared for a life outside educational institutions. They acquire vital life skills and improve their independence, and develop a sense of belonging in a diverse society.
We can only urge the Government in collaboration with partners to use the establishment of inclusive early learning centres in Luapula and North-Western provinces as a pilot project that should eventually be rolled out to the rest of the country.
The recognition of the Government of the need to make early childhood education inclusive will go a long way in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
With the right resources and opportunities, children with disabilities can excel and reach their full potential in the early years, setting a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success.