In Nigeria, discussions around inclusion frequently remain theoretical, often disconnected from the realities faced by individuals with disabilities. However, an impactful initiative seeks to bridge this gap by demonstrating the profound effects of genuine, practical inclusion. This small yet transformative event could redefine perceptions of young people with Down syndrome, not just in Nigeria but globally.
To commemorate World Down Syndrome Day, two influential organisations, the Special Needs Initiative For Growth (SNIG) and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), collaborated to launch the programme titled “Together We Rise: Empowering Bonds, Building Futures.” At its core, the programme fostered direct involvement of parents and their children, emphasising mutual learning, skill acquisition, and creating pathways to independent living and economic participation.
The initiative gathered over twelve families, each participating actively alongside their young adults with Down syndrome. Mrs Rose Mordi, Founder of DSFN, pinpointed the widespread misconceptions surrounding Down syndrome, noting that “families are often misguided into believing their children are incapable of meaningful learning, productivity, or independence.” Addressing these issues practically, Mrs Nike Denis, National Administrator at DSFN, elaborated that the event uniquely facilitated family-centred learning, equipping participants with entrepreneurship skills and advocacy training to enable meaningful societal integration.
At the helm of this innovative partnership, Racheal Inegbedion, Founding Executive Director of SNIG, set an inspiring tone from the outset. Her direct, relatable address called for urgent reforms in societal attitudes towards disability inclusion. Demonstrating hands-on leadership, she personally guided participants through storytelling sessions and facilitated interactive group discussions on setting achievable personal and professional goals.
The practical sessions were thoughtfully structured, led by Omowonuola Akintunde, SNIG’s Financial Director. Akintunde engaged young participants with adaptable, real-world entrepreneurial activities such as baking, product packaging, delivery services, and community-based initiatives. Further strengthening the programme’s impact, Kikelomo Olatunde, Administrative Director at SNIG, delivered actionable strategies for parents, empowering them to support their children not as mere caretakers but as strategic partners in achieving independence and career ambitions.
A particularly engaging segment revolved around STEM education, specifically robotics and drones, capturing participants’ enthusiasm and attention. Importantly, these activities transcended mere technological fascination; they were vehicles for fostering trust, teamwork, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaborative problem-solving among family units.
Mr Emmanuel Olajumoke, leading the entrepreneurship component, provided participants with practical digital skillsets, demonstrating achievable pathways to managing and sustaining simple yet impactful enterprises. These exercises allowed young adults to understand and practice autonomy through tasks they could independently manage and grow.
One parent emotionally shared a transformative experience, noting, “I never imagined my son could maintain focus beyond thirty minutes until we successfully built a robot together.” This testimony underscores the programme’s deep impact, reflecting profound shifts in understanding and expectations within families.
Highlighting the necessity of such initiatives, Racheal Inegbedion emphasised, “We urgently need more programmes focusing on skills rather than sympathy. We must move beyond segregating young individuals with Down syndrome, instead creating inclusive spaces where they can contribute meaningfully.” This event was not just a ceremonial observance but a decisive statement advocating genuine inclusion and equality for young Nigerians with disabilities.
Mr Innocent Okuru, Deputy Head of Education at DSFN, reiterated that the success of this model has broader implications: “If we truly desire inclusion, we must replicate this effective model in schools, religious institutions, and communities nationwide. Our youth with Down syndrome should be
recognised not as burdens but as individuals possessing dreams, talents, and valuable futures.”
To build on this progress, SNIG and DSFN have scheduled a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation initiative for October 2025. This assessment aims to rigorously analyse the programme’s outcomes, ensuring its continuous improvement and potential replication in broader contexts, significantly impacting disability inclusion policies and practices in Nigeria and beyond.
