‘We Ring the Bell’ annual event has been sponsored by The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria (TLMN)/Lillian Fonds, Netherlands. This year’s maiden event in RECDOT aligns herself with the recognition of thr Global Action Week for Education, GAWE (as organized by Global Campaign for Education, GCE). The theme for this 2022 edition focuses on ‘THE IMPACT OF COVID ON EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES’ and this maiden edition which held at the RECDOT Centre, Ozubulu, precisely on the 28th April, 2022 is no exception as the L.F./TLMN were key stakeholders in this society sensitization activity.
The annual observance of the ‘Ring the Bell’ advocacy event was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nation’s (UN) General Assembly resolution47/3.
The theme for this year’s (2022) edition is
‘THE IMPACT OF COVID ON EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES’
15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability (UN Geneva summit on Disability rights, 2019) and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries, here Nigeria is categorized.
Ozubulu has a population of 73,812Persons (according to the National Population Agency of Nigeria report, 2020). Over 9,274 out of this population live with one form of disability or the other (Disabled People’s Association, Anambra State Chapter). Some cases were initially attributed to witchcraft nemesis which led to gross discrimination against this category in the area of social services delivery. This category has seen neglect and marginalization in the areas of especially Education, Health and other Social welfare services.
Also, with heightened security situation occasioned by the incessant attacks by the “unknown gun men” and the scary impact of the Omicron (Covid 19 variant) in the South-Eastern Nigeria, with Anambra being among the most affected states, people with disabilities are more likely to experience the risk of being unprotected, including a heightened risk of violence, exploitation and abuse, and high levels of stigma. They have difficulties accessing humanitarian assistance, education, livelihoods, health care and other social services. They may be denied certain legal rights, and are often excluded from decision-making processes and leadership opportunities. Minimizing the culture of discrimination and promoting disability awareness through platforms such as the WE RING THE BELL event, helps in breaking social barriers, increases social participation of PLWDs with communities changing mindsets and accepting diversity.
Objectives of Activity:
The observance of the day aims to:
- Promote an understanding of disability issues
- Mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons living with disabilities
- To increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons living with
Work Methodology:
The event had in attendance 838 Persons drawn from the following categories:
- The RECDOT Youngsters (104)
- Chairman disabled people’s society (Represented by Ichie Fidelis Nokwa) (1)
- Lady Ndidi Mezue (The commissioner for social welfare, children and women affairs) represented by Lady Tessy Igwilo (1)
The event commenced with a convene at the RECDOT center, Ozubulu, where an opening remark by Dame Rosemary Nkiruka Odunukwe (Director RECDOT) was presented, thereafter, Adaji, Samson (the Coordinator Programmes, RECDOT) enlightened the attendees on our mission, while proceeding/ approach were listed out too.
The keynote addresses were presented by:
- Sir Vincent Okonkwo (Physiotherapist)
- Lady (Dr.) Tessy Igwilo ( Ministry of Information)
- Arc. Adaji Samson Omonu (Programmes Manager, RECDOT)
- Sir Elias Nwanonenyi (Ministry of Education)
- Mrs. Ndukwe Ann (Rep. Parent Support Group and UBEC staff)