Mothers of children living with cerebral palsy have been urged to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence, while their children were introduced to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education through hands-on robotics activities aimed at expanding learning opportunities.

 

The call was made during the eighth cohort of the Empowered Mothers, Thriving Children Programme, organised by the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation in partnership with the Special Needs Initiative for Growth in Lagos.

 

The initiative brought together 10 mothers and 10 children for business development, financial literacy and STEM training.

 

Chief Responsibility Officer of the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, Tobiloba Ajayi, said empowering mothers economically would have a direct impact on the wellbeing and development of their children.

 

“When a mother has the knowledge, confidence and resources to build a sustainable livelihood, the benefits extend beyond her business. They improve her ability to support her child’s education, wellbeing and participation in society. This programme is built on the understanding that children thrive when their families are supported to thrive,” she said.

 

Ajayi encouraged participants to view the training as an opportunity to strengthen their businesses rather than define themselves solely by the challenges of caregiving.

 

She also encouraged participants to maintain the relationships built during the programme.

 

“Today should not be the end of the journey. The relationships formed here can become a source of encouragement, referrals, shared learning and accountability. Sustainable change happens when women are not only trained but are also connected to a community that continues to believe in their progress,” she said.

 

Founding Executive Director of the Special Needs Initiative for Growth, Racheal Inegbedion, urged the mothers to recognise that the resilience they demonstrate daily as caregivers could also drive successful enterprises.

 

“Your caregiving journey does not diminish your ability to succeed in business. The resilience, problem-solving and determination you demonstrate every day are qualities that can also help you build successful enterprises. We hope this programme gives you practical knowledge, renewed confidence and the motivation to continue investing in yourselves and your families,” she said.

 

She explained that participants received practical training in bookkeeping, customer engagement, business pitching, grant readiness, investment awareness and digital marketing to help strengthen their businesses.

 

While the mothers attended business sessions, the children participated in STEM and robotics classes designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving and practical learning. The organisers also trained parents on how to use STEM kits at home to sustain their children’s learning beyond the programme.

 

At the end of the programme, participants pitched their businesses before a panel of judges. Bridget Odulana, a grandmother and caregiver, emerged overall winner, while Nnoli Chisom and Meshioye Adenike finished second and third respectively.

 

Presenting the prizes, facilitator Omowonuola Akintunde said: “The pitches showed that every participant has the ability to build and improve a business. The prizes recognise three strong presentations, but the larger achievement is that each mother is leaving with clearer financial knowledge, a stronger business message and practical steps she can begin to take immediately.”