Kaduna Flags Off Distribution of Assistive Devices for 400 Learners with Disabilities Under ROOSC Project

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has officially launched the distribution of customized assistive devices to learners with disabilities as part of its flagship “Reaching Out to School Children” project.

This initiative aims to ensure that no child is left behind in the effort to re-enroll 100,000 out-of-school children.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the LGEA Sheik Gumi Model School, Tudun Wada in Kaduna South Local Government Area today, marks the beginning of a statewide effort that will extend to both the Northern and Southern zones.

This event follows medical assessments conducted on children identified during enrollment who are living with various disabilities.

Ezra Angai, Project Coordinator for the Reaching Out to School Children (ROOSC) Program in Kaduna State, explained that the initiative is supported by Save the Children International, in partnership with doctors from Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, the Kaduna State Disability Board, the National Disability Board, SUBEB, and the Ministry of Education.

“Today is the flag-off for this exercise. We are starting with the Central Zone, then moving to the Northern Zone, and finally the Southern Zone. This effort will cover the entire Kaduna State,” Angai said.

He added that the assessments resulted in recommendations for specific assistive devices tailored to each child’s needs. During the flag-off, items distributed included wheelchairs, braces, standing platforms, eyeglasses, and hearing aids.

Over 30 children with impaired vision received eyeglasses based on ophthalmologists’ recommendations.

The standing platforms, Angai noted, also serve as physiotherapy tools to help children strengthen their leg muscles while enabling caregivers to attend to other tasks.

“The project targets 400 learners, and as we map out-of-school children, the project ensures inclusion,” he emphasized.

“Not just inclusion in learning, but also in the buildings we’re constructing. The designs for these buildings prioritize inclusion strongly,” he added. Every reiterated that the project’s motto remains: “every child, no child should be left behind.”

Angai commended the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Senator Uba Sani, for prioritizing education and acknowledged developmental partners supporting the initiative.

These partners include the Islamic Development Bank, the Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and Save the Children International, which he described as both a donor and a key implementing partner.

He explained that the assistive devices have been customized to meet each child’s specific needs, and interactions with parents and children confirmed that the intervention is reaching those most in need. Distribution will continue across the state as assessments are completed for other identified learners.

The “Reaching Out of School Children” project remains the Kaduna State Government’s flagship effort to re-enroll 100,000 out-of-school children, with a strong focus on equity and inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Responding, the father of one of the beneficiaries, Mark Abraham, who was in tears, said that the gesture from Reaching Out to School Children (ROOSC) through Save the Children (SCI) was an unexpected gift for his family.

He stated that the wheelchairs, standing platforms, and other items would significantly impact his child, Israel Abraham. He expressed gratitude to Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani CON for making education inclusive for people with disabilities.