The Bayelsa State School for Children with Special Needs came alive with colour, music and excitement as it hosted the 6th Edition of its End-of-Year Christmas Carol, Party and Funfair, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive education and the welfare of children living with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, the Principal of the school, Mrs Ebiere Custom, explained that the institution caters for children with different forms of disabilities and is staffed by trained professionals in special education. According to her, teaching and caring for children with special needs goes beyond conventional classroom methods.
“This school has children with different disabilities, and we take care of them like professionals,” she said. “We are specialists in special education. We have our own methods that we learnt in the university on how to take care of these children.”
Mrs Custom stressed that passion, patience, care and endurance are essential qualities for teachers in special needs education. She noted that the pupils include children with mental illnesses, behavioural disorders, visual impairments and other conditions, making the work demanding but rewarding.
“As a specialist, you need endurance, patience and God’s help to take care of them,” she added.
Responding to questions on the school population, the principal disclosed that the institution is currently the only government-owned special needs school in Bayelsa State, with a total of 143 students enrolled across Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary levels. She explained that education at the school is completely free, with government support covering tuition, feeding and transportation.
“The government is paying. We have free food for them and buses to carry them,” she said.
Despite the support, Mrs Custom identified several challenges confronting the school, including the need for more buses and the expansion of special needs education across the state. She appealed to the government to establish similar schools in all local government areas and to deploy trained special education teachers accordingly. She also called for the construction of a boarding facility to better cater for some of the pupils.
The Christmas Carol Party itself was described as unique compared to previous editions. According to the principal, the celebration featured vibrant dance troupes, Christmas carols, cake cutting and a special appearance by “Mother Christmas,” a departure from the Father Christmas featured in past years.
In her advice to parents, Mrs Custom urged them not to hide children with disabilities at home or label them negatively. “These children are unique. They are not witches. Many of them are talented,” she said, encouraging parents to enrol their children in school. She also highlighted the role of the Vocational Skills Centre for children who may not cope academically.
She further appealed to the government to consider employing graduates of the school, while expressing gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government, the Ministry of Education and the Education Development Trust Fund for their continued suppor
The event also recorded the presence and support of non-governmental organisations, including the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), alongside Mother LS and siblings, who actively participated in the celebration. The groups interacted with the pupils, joined in the festivities and expressed delight at the warm, inclusive atmosphere of the programme, noting that they thoroughly enjoyed their stay and the opportunity to support children with special needs.
