On the 30th of March, 2019. Diary of A Special Needs Mum Initiative through its foundation, P4:13 Foundation organized its Maiden Edition of Disability Awareness Campaign for kids.
Children within the ages of eight to twelve were asked to write in less than 150 words the reason they wanted to attend the program. Participants were picked on a first come, first served basis.
Twenty-five pupils were selected and brought together at the British Council, Ikoyi to have fun learning how to paint as well to learn about people living with disabilities. It was a fusion of art and disability awareness.
The painting session was taught by Bunmi Sani and her team from Art & Lounge.
After their painting session, they watched a documentary about a five year old girl living with cerebral palsy who attends a mainstream school. They also had the opportunity to listen to Miss Tobiloba Ajayi who is a lawyer living with cerebral palsy. Other speakers include, Mrs Lynda Ashaolu, Programme Manager Schools Education & Society, British Council; Mrs Bukola Ayinde, convener of the event.
Thereafter the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions.
Then the questions poured in. Kids are definitely far more open than adults. All their questions were answered and they left the program knowing that though we may be different in some instances we are all the same, created by God for his purpose.
They learnt that being kind was the new cool; they were encouraged not to bully, not to say mean words about people who look or act differently from them.
After that session, the children were divided into two teams. Each team painted on a canvas. Team one was called Thirteen Great Stars and the second team, Alpha Red.
The canvasses were to be donated to an orphanage with children living with disabilities. The children did a marvelous job painting.
Parents, guardians and teachers who brought the children for the program were not left behind. They were in another room having a meaningful conversation about disability management. This session was facilitated by Tobiloba Ajayi, Mrs Folusho Liasu, Founder, Superparents Foundation; Jimmy Asuni, Banker at Llyods Bank London and author of Dare To Be Imperfect.
A lot of myths about disability were debunked. They learnt about the major causes of some disabilities. They also learnt about inclusive education and how it can work.
It was a time of learning, unlearning and relearning.
It is worthy of mention that the canvasses painted by the participants at the event (along with a cash gift of N10,000) were donated to Jesus Kids home for children with special needs, founded by Pastor Mrs Ololade Adamolekun in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Our other partners for the event include:
- British Council Nigeria – They provided the venue
- Art & Lounge – Our Artist for the day
- Mrs Titilayo Oyebolu – She provided the drinks for the event
Our volunteers for the event include:
Miss Sade Adeshida
Mr Olaitan Boboye
