Group empowers 500 children with disabilities, caregivers in Lagos 

To celebrate children with disabilities and support their caregivers, Friendnpal has distributed school supplies, personalised gift bags, and food to children with special needs.

Friendnpal, an African health platform, dedicated to empowering and providing care to marginalised communities, organised an “End of the Year Party” for 500 children and their caregivers in Ipaja, Lagos.

The event featured health checkups, therapy sessions, mental health and wellness discussions, and workshops on disability advocacy and financial literacy for both children and their caregivers.

Participants also engaged in a talent show, games, social activities, and dance exercises aimed at improving muscle health. Founder of Friendnpal, Esther Eruche, said that the initiative stems from her personal experience, recounting losing her brother to autism, which led to her mother’s death from depression after losing her first son.

“The stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly invisible ones like autism, inspired me to create a supportive and inclusive environment for children with disabilities and their caregivers,” Eruche  said.

She explained that the initiative, marking its second year, aims to provide relief to parents navigating the daily challenges of caregiving while fostering a sense of community.

According to her, the event underscored the importance of holistic support systems for children with disabilities and their families, fostering inclusion empowerment, and a path toward thriving despite the challenges.

Eruche also noted that the school supplies, gifts and food were distributed to celebrate children with special needs and support their care giver as taking care of them require huge expenses.

An occupational therapist, Rachel Ogaji, highlighted the therapeutic benefits of physical and creative activities. “Whether it’s picking up a ball or engaging in painting, the goal is to assess and enhance a child’s abilities, from dexterity to overall functionality,” she said.

Ogaji also emphasised the importance of mental health, noting that Friendnpal offers virtual therapy sessions for mothers who often face emotional and psychological stress due to caregiving.

Also, the Product Development Lead at Cloud Enthusiast, Michael Kayode, expressed excitement about bridging the gap between technology and marginalised communities.

He said the mission is to equip underrepresented groups with skills to keep up with the rapidly evolving world of technology. Kayode added that while their current focus is on training parents, Cloud Enthusiast aims to extend these efforts to children in the near future.