For 15-year-old Isioma Idika, a live painting session at an emotional intelligence bootcamp in Enugu became a lesson in resilience, ability and the importance of support.

Idika, who lives with cerebral palsy, travelled from Abakaliki to participate in GlowPulse 2.0, a programme designed to teach children aged eight to 15 skills that extend beyond conventional classroom learning.

Holding a paintbrush in her mouth, Idika created artwork before participants without using her hands or preliminary pencil sketches. Her brother assisted by preparing paints, cleaning brushes and helping to steady the canvas.

The presentation became one of the defining moments of the four-day programme, drawing attention to the role families and communities can play in helping people with disabilities develop and express their abilities.

GlowPulse 2.0, which opened on August 6 at Omedel Luxury Hotel, Enugu, brought together children for sessions covering emotional intelligence, first aid, child protection, health awareness, leadership, digital responsibility and career development.

On the opening day, Ebere Nwafor, a disaster management officer and first aid trainer with the Nigerian Red Cross in Enugu, led participants through a practical CPR session.

Officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) also spoke to the children about child trafficking, including how to recognise potential risks and protect themselves.

Professor Theresa Nwagha, Chief Executive Officer of the UNTH Foundation, addressed the participants on cancer awareness, while Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick Nwabueze Uburu, spoke about career choices.

The sessions were moderated by Ophilia Alete, an ambassador and Correct FM Enugu on-air personality.

The emphasis on support was reinforced by Idika’s appearance, with organisers using her experience to demonstrate how encouragement and practical assistance can help people overcome limitations and pursue their abilities.

The second phase of the programme, held on August 11 at Hotel Presidential Enugu by Amber, shifted towards leadership, digital responsibility and self-awareness.

Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, founder of Lead Network Africa and its chief executive officer, spoke to the children about purposeful leadership. He emphasised that leadership should not be defined solely by titles, but by the ability to influence, support and empower others.

Onyedikachi Bernard Asadu, popularly known as The King of Boys, addressed digital responsibility, urging the children to exercise caution when interacting with people online and to maintain appropriate boundaries on digital platforms.

The session on self-awareness was led by Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, co-founder of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and COLI Mental Health Academy.

Nwachukwu guided the children through exercises focused on understanding their emotions, identifying triggers, recognising their strengths and areas for improvement, and examining their values and personal standards.

Games and group activities were also used to encourage teamwork, communication and mutual support, with participants taking part in discussions and asking questions throughout the sessions.

The programme reflects a growing emphasis on equipping children with social and emotional skills alongside academic knowledge. Emotional awareness, responsible digital behaviour, resilience and the ability to communicate effectively can influence how young people respond to challenges at home, in school and within their communities.

GlowPulse 2.0 is scheduled to continue with a session on games, play therapy and resilience at De Angelo Event Centre, Golf Estate, Enugu, on August 18.

The programme is expected to conclude on August 25 at The Andover Hotel, Enugu, with a closing and celebration event. The final programme is scheduled to include vocational activities and sessions on self-regulation, bullying and cyberbullying.

For the organisers, the objective is to create a space where children can develop practical skills, understand themselves better and learn how to respond to challenges with greater confidence.

The experience of Idika’s live painting provided perhaps the clearest illustration of that message: ability can take different forms, but opportunity, encouragement and support can determine how far it is allowed to develop.