On December 14th, Purple Dew Children Care Foundation, in collaboration with Hope for HIV/AIDS International (HFA), organised an outreach titled Bridge to Care: Empowering Kids with Disabilities and Their Families in the community of Ijora-Badia, Lagos.
Children with special needs often face stigma, social exclusion and insufficient support due to a lack of understanding surrounding mental and physical disabilities. Recognising the need for change, Purple Dew and HFA joined forces after a crucial meeting on October 30th, with a shared vision: to organise an outreach event in Ijora-Badia and facilitate direct engagement with the community.
The outreach focused on several key goals
Establishing a pilot medical outreach for 19 identified children with special needs, a project with the potential to be replicated in other communities
Promoting community-based rehabilitation services and opening discussions with healthcare providers
Raising awareness to reduce stigma, and equipping families and caregivers with training and resources
All objectives were successfully met. Twenty families in Ijora-Badia were empowered with knowledge, children with disabilities were given access to much-needed medical care, and the seeds of an ongoing support network were planted. This event marked a significant milestone in ensuring that children with disabilities in this community are included, supported and cared for.
With heartfelt thanks
Iyabo Hassan, Head of the Apapa-Iganmu/Ijora-Badia Women's Association, and Baba Olojonwo, CDC Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu
Purple Dew volunteers and donors, whose time and commitment made the event possible
Lokito Restaurant for refreshments and NiDi Drive for seamless logistics
Dr Temitope Tijani and Dr Anthony Ezerioha for delivering essential healthcare services
Together, we made a difference in the lives of children and families in Ijora-Badia, and this is just the beginning of our mission to create inclusive, caring communities.
