Foundation seeks support for children with disability
Foundation seeks support for children with disability
NAN-HG-9
Support
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Jan. 29, 2018 (NAN) Sedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs (SECHILD), an NGO, has called for support from the Federal Government, individuals and organisations to enable it provide support to children with disability.
Mrs Kawan Anjira, the SECCHILD President, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the support would also enable it increase nationwide awareness about cerebral palsy and other conditions.
She said that awareness about the various disabilities facing children with cerebral palsey, spina bifida and hydrocephalus was low and they are permanent birth defect affecting the development of the spine, spinal cord and the brain.
Awareness on these conditions, she said, was not available especially in rural communities thereby affecting the overall growth and development of children affected.
According to Anjira, there are still beliefs in parts of the country that children born with one or more of these conditions are from the devil and they suffer discrimination.
She said that re-orienting those who view these children in such light should be addressed as every child was “beautifully, purposely and uniquely created”.
“In Nigeria it is traditionally believed that a child born with abnormal development is from the spirit world or a snake incarnate and will bring a curse on the family.
“Many children with Cerebral Palsy and other deformities in some communities are either buried alive or thrown into the river to return to the spirit world as a service of purification to the parents of such children.
“The truth is that these beliefs and practices have negative effects on the psychological and social status of these families.
“These children should have the opportunity to know and experience love and care from their families and community.
“My organisation was founded specifically to provide succour to these children and parents including professional assistance, information on therapy and education with emphasis on children with Cerebral Palsy.
“Research has shown that when children are provided with adequate tools they need for their unique skills and ability, they can fully enhance their cognitive, social and emotional development,” Anjira said.
She said that providing early and continuous intervention to these children was a powerful tool that could enable them live a full and active life.
She added that the condition was a life time condition and it could only get better through therapy and constant training.
Anjira called for support from specialised medical practitioners such as physiotherapist and neurologist in building a caring and actively supportive environment.
NAN reports that Sedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs (SECHILD) was founded in 2011, Non-Governmental Organisation committed to an often neglected target group within the Nigerian society. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola