A non governmental organization ,also known as Differently Abled Foundation has donated walking aids and low vision writing aids for over one hundred students of the physically challenged schools across Ondo state.
The Items donated included 10 wheelchairs, 20 pairs of elbow walkers, 50 pairs of armpit clutches ,four leg walkers ,canes for the blind and, low vision writing aids for the visually impaired students among others.
The CEO, Differently Abled Foundation, Folajogun Akinlami explained that the gesture which was solely sponsored by a UK based philanthropist, Segun Adeyemi gulped about #2M.
Miss Akinlami while donating the items in Akure, the state capital also called on eminent Nigerians to pay serious attention to addressing the needs of the less-privileged in their immediate environment to avert any unforseen circumstances that could arise in the society.
She said “ The idea is to give back to the society, and the community where I belong as a person living with disability ,who is highly privileged, I feel that the best we can do is to encourage these students. You wonder why the students in particular ? Because they are the ones we could make their lives easier. Once they are comfortable, they have a chance in life.
We can only do our best to ensure that these minority set of people that others will normally look down on are taken care of academically.
We have been impacting on lives of the less privilege since 2018.
We have a sole sponsor for this particular programme for the less privilege. He is Mr Segun Adeyemi , a UK based sponsor. The funny thing is that he has never been to Ondo state or does he know anyone but because of the faith and trust he has in our foundation, he decided to contribute and donate to us ,so we can empower these kids. So on his behalf, we were able to make those things available. Those wheelchairs are specialized because we had to ensure that they actually stand the test of time.
Speaking on the challenges the foundation is facing , she said “ The thing is that giving out to the less privileged is the only thing you can venture into and not have regret. When you settle people that can’t give you back,God automatically settles you. The Universe has a way of paying you back. You hardly lack anything.
The only challenge we are faced with is the intention to do more. For instance, about hundred students are here right now, there is about 200 more. How do we cater for them ?
We only have ten wheelchairs available now ,there are over 50 students in need of wheelchairs, likewise other important materials for the students.
So, if you and I can contribute our quotas to the needy around us ,the society will be better for it . Why do we have Fulanis Hausa everywhere ,threatening the whole nation ? It is because at some points those that matter neglected them, and didn’t educate them and now they are the ones kidnapping the children we hustled to educate.
If we can be selfless and help our immediate community, the society will be better for it.
She advised the benefiting students to treasure the gifts and face their education.
“ I also want to thank their caregivers. They are passionate about the students because it is not easy taking care of these categories of people. There is no amount of money that could be paid to them to complement all they have been doing to the kids. I just want to appreciate them and pray that God bless them.
In a remark, Mrs Ogundeji Taiwo ,Head Teacher, school for the visually impaired, Ikare Akoko said “ I want to appreciate them for the good gesture because it is not easy getting money to buy a wheelchair. So the the foundation to be able to get all these, they have done a big job on behalf Ondo state government.
The government is trying but the government can not do it alone. We need people like Mr Segun Adeyemi and Differently Disabled foundation, Miss Folajogun. They came at the right time when these pupils need them most. U can see that they can not move without the aids.
We still need more walking aids. I came with about 50 pupils to akure and we were just given 10 wheelchairs. Most of the pupils are still in the school that are in need of wheelchairs. We will be very grateful if we can get 50 more.
We need crutches , walking sticks , calipers so as to help those on wheelchairs to walk on their own. Some of them needs artificial legs too. If we can get those things , we will be very happy. ”
The Assistant Head Teachers of the school, Mr Oladele Folorunso said “On behalf of the Ondo state government and all members of staff of the Ondo state school for the virtually impaired,Owo, we thank the Differently disabled foundation for the presentation of gift items to our pupils.
We have many other pupils in school and we will be glad if the gesture could be extended to all of them. ”
Source: Rovingreportersng.com