CDC seeks compassion for children with disabilities

The founder and Executive Director, Children Development Centre, Surulere, Lagos, Dr. Yinka Akindayomi, has called on Nigerians to show compassion for children with special needs.

Akindayomi made the appeal at a briefing as part of the activities to commemorate the organisation’s 20th anniversary tagged, ‘Compassion, Connection: Why Your Communities Should Care.’

She said that the campaigns to increase visibility and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities into the mainstream policies for the country would have no effect if the society did not empathise with them.

Akindayomi said, “Without compassion, there is no connection. Without connection, there is no you and I. In order for a community to grow, it must include everyone’s needs. This is why the value of compassion is even more relevant concerning issues of today.

“The sense of disconnection is so pervasive that unkindness, indifference, and selfishness appear as the norm, while compassion, kindness and caring are the outliers,” she added.

The UK-trained paediatrician said the centre was set up to support children and young adults with developmental disabilities to enable them to build their self-esteem and skills.

She said, “In over two decades, the centre has pursued its mandate with single-minded determination, evolving into a major humanitarian leader for children’s wellbeing in Nigeria. During this period, the organisation has affected the lives of over 2,000 children and young adults with development disabilities. It has supported their families.

“Slowly, our impact is being felt through various projects dotted throughout Nigeria. Who would have thought we would be here today providing comprehensive services and programmes to a wide range of families.”

Akindayomi added that for societies to ensure the desired transformational impact on the lives of the people, stakeholders must collaborate and move beyond rhetoric to match lofty words and plans with action.

PUNCH.