NGO seeks support for children with disability
NGO seeks support for children with disability
By Ummul Idris
Support
Abuja, June 30, 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 President SECHILD, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
She said that the support would help sustain the organisation and enable them accommodate more children.
“One of our challenges is space; we need a bigger space so that we can accommodate those that are on the waiting list.
“A lot of children with disability are on our waiting list we couldn’t accommodate them because we don’t have enough space.
“We will appreciate if we can get assistance in providing sources so that we can accommodate those that are on the awaiting list,’’ she said.
She said that some families who have children with disability especially in rural communities are not capable of taking care of the children.
According to her, experienced has revealed that she would have two children to cater for when she made plans for only one.
“In some part of 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,’’ Anjira said.
She said that research also showed 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 that 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 the children are uniquely created. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

