In November 2023, the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation and the Special Needs Initiative for Growth received crucial support from the global children’s charity, TheirWorld.
This partnership project aimed to provide children with cerebral palsy, the right to an inclusive education through STEM and robotics; and the pedagogical skills needed for a brighter future.
Also, TheirWorld’s support was pivotal in the implementation of the sixth cohort of the “Empowered Mothers, Thriving Children” project, held in Lagos State, Nigeria, from June 1st to June 8th, 2024.
This annual program focused on alleviating poverty and fostering inclusive economic opportunities for ten low-income mothers of children with cerebral palsy across Nigeria. The project also aimed to enhance educational outcomes for their children through STEM and robotics learning. This initiative’s objective is to transform the lives of these mothers and their children.
Following a rigorous selection process, ten low-income mothers were chosen to participate in a comprehensive two-week training program. The first week of the training, it was designed to empower them with essential Small Business Development Skills, including financial management, accounting, proper pricing strategies, budgeting, bookkeeping, tracking household finances, customer relationship skills, and saving and investment strategies.
The thought experts and leaders who took them through the first week were Nkem Okocha, the founder of Mama Moni, Omowonuola Akintunde, the Financial Director of the Special Needs Initiative For Growth, Tobiloba Ajayi, the Chief Responsibility Officer of the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, Amdi Salam – Creative Director of the Special Needs Initiative For Growth
The second week delved into digital marketing techniques and effective business pitch skills, with sessions led by Racheal Inegbedion, Founding Executive Director of the Special Needs Initiative for Growth, and Seun Sangoleye, founder of Baby Grubz. These sessions aimed to equip the mothers with diverse skills to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours and contribute to their communities economic growth.
Interactive sessions guided by Kikelomo Olatunde, Project Director from the Special Needs Initiative for Growth, equipped the mothers with tools to support their children’s cognitive development at home. This knowledge empowers mothers to play an active role in maximizing their children’s potential, fostering their functionality and intelligence.
The mothers confidently presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, including Tobiloba Ajayi Seun Sangoleye, Omowonuola Akintunde, and Racheal Inegbedion. The winners received grants to support their entrepreneurial ventures. Okutoro Feyisayo, the first-place winner, received a lump sum grant and a mobile phone. Balogun Ganiyu Tumninu, the second-place winner, also received grants, while Orekunrin Oluwatosin, the third-place winner, was awarded grants as well. The remaining participants received consolation grants each.
The project facilitators, including Tobiloba Ajayi, Racheal Inegbedion, Amdi Salam, Omowonuola Akintunde, and Kikelomo Olatunde, commended the mothers for their dedication and encouraged them to continue learning and scaling their businesses. Volunteers such as Kalu Onyinyechi, Kalu Abigail, Echoda Onyeche, Oluchi Francis Uko, and Adebambo Grace provided educational, psychological, and moral support to the children while their mothers underwent training.
TheirWorld expressed deep honour in sponsoring this year’s project, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that improve access to education and development for all young people, regardless of disability. Tobiloba Ajayi emphasized the project’s role in reducing parental dependence on handouts and voluntary donations, empowering parents to meet their children’s needs independently.
Racheal Inegbedion highlighted the project’s accomplishments over the past five years, noting its success in improving access to financial and digital opportunities for low-income mothers with children living with cerebral palsy. This holistic approach uplifts both the financial well-being of the mothers and the overall quality of life for their children.
Through dedicated efforts, the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation and Special Needs Initiative for Growth have shown their commitment to empowering families and creating sustainable impacts in Nigeria. Their work addresses immediate challenges and contributes to long-term solutions, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with cerebral palsy and their families. The power of collaboration in this project and the profound impact that targeted support can have on the lives of vulnerable families is constant a reminder that with the right resources and opportunities, every child can thrive, and every mother can create a better future for her family.
