Inclusive Education Cook Islands

Inclusive Education Cook Islands is led by Advisor Ngaria Stephenson, Learning and Teaching Division, Ministry of Education, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

The concept and practice of Inclusive Education has gained importance in recent years. Ther term is increasingly understood, the world over, as a reform that supports and welcomes diversity amongst all learners (UNESCO, 2009). Another increasingly popular Global view is that Inclusive Education is a process that involves the transformation of schools and other centres for learning to cater for ALL

children - including boys and girls, abused children, displaced children, religious minorities, migrants, poverty stricken children, child domestic workers, ethnic minorities, linguistic minorities, children in conflict/war zones, indigenous children, child soldiers, street children, children from rural or populations, nomadic children, children suffering from HIV/AIDS and orphans living with disabilties. The Cook Islands embraces the fact that there are "tamariki o te Kuki Airani" not just in the Cook Islands but all over the world with different educational needs. It is therefore imperative that we continually mould our education system by bringing about changes that will prepare us for the future to cater for the needs of all children of the Cook Islands as and when they decide to return home. " Inclusion is a process. Inclusive Education is not merely about providing access into mainstream school for pupils who have previously being excluded. It is not about closing down an unacceptable system of segregated provision and dumping pupils in an unchanged mainstream system. Exisiting school systems (in terms of physical factors, curriclum aspects, teaching exceptations and styles, leadership roles) will have to change. This is because Inclusive Education is about participation of all children and young people and the removal of all forms of exclusionary practice. (Barton, 1998, p85)

"Preparation does not necessarily mean textbook knowledge of various pysical and mental conditions ... The most important preparation are to meet and get to know the child. No matter the physical or mental challenges the child presents, he or she has some basic needs as all other students - the need for understanding and respect, the need to listened to and appreciated, and the need to learn in his or her own style. If teachers address these needs competently;n then everything will fall into place. (Murrary, 1991, p175)

11/02/2014

Assistive Technology Cook Islands - "For most people, technology makes things easier. For a person with a disability it makes things possible."

2013 saw the first implementation of ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY for students with learning difficulties in the Cook Islands. There have been many barriers along the way with technology and with education around resources but this month marks our first year anivsersary of success - assistive technology is "simply anything that can help a person... to do something they cannot do.. or help them do it better than they can without it."
Over the next weeks, I hope to take you on a photographic journey of kids who have had access to AT and the difference it has made to them.

17/12/2013

Somewhere, a child is being told he cannot play because he
cannot walk, or another that she cannot learn because she cannot
see. That boy deserves a chance to play. And we all benefit when
that girl, and all children, can read, learn and contribute.
The path forward will be challenging. But children do not accept
unnecessary limits. Neither should we.
Anthony Lake
Executive Director, UNICEF

Is there a child who does not dream of being counted and having her or his gifts and talents recognized?
No. All children have hopes and dreams – including children
with disabilities. And all children deserve a fair chance to make their dreams real. As an educator we hold the key to building an inclusive society - the inclusion of children with disabilties requires
first a change of perception, a recognition that children with disabilities hold the same rights as others; and
that they can be agents of change and self-determination and not merely the beneficiaries of charity. Teachers, YOU have the power to make a difference in the lives of those you teach! Encourage the next generation to stand tall, to "take risks" and to love learning.

14/12/2013

Performing Arts - performing the turou (Welcoming chants)

Creative Centre End of 2013 Prizegiving Celebration

13/12/2013

Today I was privileged to be invited to The Creative Centre to partake in their end of year prize giving. The Creative Centre caters for people with a range of disabilities and helps them to develop skills that will enable them to make positive contributions to society. Certificates were awarded for a range of achievements including; Facebook skills, commitment to physical excercise, catching the bus, dancing, art work, trying new things, positivity,public speaking,attendance and perserverance. What a fabulous event! www.shop-cookislands.com/creativecentre.htm

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Avarua?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Avarua

Contact the school

Click here to send a message to the school

Telephone

0068229357

Website

facebook.com

Address

POBOX 97
Avarua
0000