From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
As part of activities to commemorate the day, the Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, WOMAN has paid a visit to the Bayelsa State School for Children with Special Needs.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is commemorated every 3rd of December to advocate for decisive actions to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities particularly in the context of gender based violence.
Executive Director, WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi who led other members of the organization on the visit noted that the day is also part of the 16 days of Activism against gender based violence.
Lady Nnachi who spoke on the significance of the day encouraged the students to see themselves as children with abilities to become successful and achieve their goals in life.
“There is no disability, it only exist in the mind, you can become anything you choose to be, you have abilities in you, your future is bright”
While speaking on gender based violence, she urged the children to always speak up when they are faced with any form of violence either in their homes or school.
” No one should abuse you, no one should touch your private parts, if anyone, even an adult tries to defile you, please speak up, report it”
Also speaking, Woman Leader, ENWAF, Lady Oby Ezissi urged the children to see themselves as having God given abilities to excel in life just like all other children.
Administrative Secretary, Ebizimo Agedah called on parents, caregivers and teachers to always speak positively into the lives of their children and support them in their academics.
Responding, Vice Principal, Mrs Celestina Mbakwe thanked Lady Eunice and all other members for visiting the school to educate the students on recent events.
Some of the students, Seminiziber Joseph and Sawari Paigha expressed appreciation to all members of WOMAN for the visit.
Highpoint of the event was the distribution of books, writing materials and sanitary products to the students.
