Nigeria's blind kids hit right notes

Nigeria's blind kids hit right notes

By Sam Olukoya
BBC, Lagos

Blindness is no hindrance to the pupils

The Pacelli School for the Blind is Nigeria's foremost primary school for blind children.

But beyond giving an invaluable formal education to unsighted children, the school is also famed for teaching its pupils to both play and appreciate music.

Located in Surulere, Lagos, the Pacelli School was founded 40 years ago by Catholic missionaries and has become well-known for the quality of the musicians it produces.

One of the latest talents is Bakare Morayo, who performs as a drummer in the Pacelli school band, playing a seven-piece drum kit with skill and accuracy.

"Anything that the sighted ones can do, we also can do it even better than them," he told the BBC proudly.

Pupils' pleasure

Teacher Maria Afiaware says the children's musical prowess has brought the school much attention.

"Music has brought fame to the school because Pacelli is well known for its musical entertainment," she said.

"I think people look forward when we have a function to come and see the way blind children are playing music, playing, drumming, singing, and that they have these melodious voices when they are singing."

The school is famed for its musicianship

According to head teacher Sister Justina Obiajunwa, the children get great pleasure from the music.

"It gives them inner satisfaction to say: 'I am making people happy, I am contributing,'" she said.

"So they do it with all their heart, they do it with their energy and enthusiasm to bring out the best that is in them."

Although all children in Nigeria receive free primary education in theory, many drop out or never attend, and schools are often ill-equipped.

More than a fifth of Nigeria's primary school aged children are not in formal education, according to World Bank figures.