The Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in partnership with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) organised a comprehensive training programme focused on free screening exercise and distribution of 7,000 reading glasses to children who showed up in the first week of school resumption during the just concluded third term 2022/2023 session, as well as parents of such children.
The training program commenced on Friday, August 11, 2023, at the SUBEB Conference Room, Benin City, and covered Edo South.
Meanwhile Edo Central and Edo North had their training via zoom on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Notably, the free screening exercise and distribution of glasses to eligible parents and children is set to commence Wednesday, August 16, through Friday, August 18, 2023 in 54 different venues across the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State.
While addressing the participants during the training in Benin City, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, emphasized the importance of the training.
According to Dr. Izedonmwen, “The training we are embarking upon, represents a critical juncture in our commitment to the health and well-being of our communities.”
Dr. Izedonmwen remarked that equipping EDSPHCDA and SUBEB staff with the skills to assist in distribution of reading glasses, will not only address immediate health needs, but also empower pupils to engage more effectively in their education.
He also noted that clear vision is a fundamental right, stressing that the training, would ensure that children in Edo State can fully participate in their academic journey.
Also speaking, Mrs. Tayo Salami, the Edo State Executive Chairman of SUBEB, reiterated the sentiment of the collaborative effort in her address.
Mrs. Salami said, “Education is the cornerstone of our society, and it is our duty to ensure that all students have equal access to quality education.”
Mrs. Salami further expressed that Visual impairments can significantly hinder a child’s learning experience, hence such training is of paramount importance and would create an inclusive environment that nurtures academic growth and personal development.
Practical Training Sessions and demonstrations were carried out by the Seasoned Facilitator, an Opthalmologist and his team who took the staff of EDSPHCDA and SUBEB with skills needed to carry out the distribution exercise successfully.
