Parents of children with physical disabilities in Ogun State that have benefitted from the We Too Can Grow scheme of Promasidor Nigeria Limited have declared that the intervention was timely as it came right at the point when they needed assistance.
The scheme provides support through low-interest microcredit and is made very convenient for parents to effectively manage the affairs of children with special needs.
During a forum organised by Promasidor and Lagos-based Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC) in Abeokuta recently, the beneficiaries described the low-interest microcredit a free loan as the process was very convenient.
The group is made up of members of Dayonmi Love Foundation, a cooperative body in Abeokuta.
Opeoluwa Akinola, a beneficiary from the Foundation, commended Promasidor for the support and care for children with disabilities as she was able to utilise the loan provided to enhance her business to effectively cater for her autistic child.
Akinola, who is a trader, said the entrepreneurial skills from Community Development Foundation (CDF) in partnership with CDC have effectively expanded the scope of her business to meet her family’s needs. “The We Too Can Grow scheme has brought succour to me and others in the Foundation.
Olubukunola Ojo, another beneficiary, said she gained a lot from the scheme and the trainings on financial management which has widened her knowledge. She affirmed that the loan was ploughed into her farming and trading venture.
According to Ojo, the scheme has enabled her to network with people whose ideas have really enhanced her understanding of addressing issues relating to her child’s disability. She explained that the monthly therapy on cerebral palsy by the physiotherapist from CDC has been very helpful.
Also, Oluwakemi Oladipupo, from the Foundation eulogised Promasidor and CDC for the intervention. She said: “I have acquired enough knowledge on how to manage the affairs of my child, especially on the various therapies which has drastically improved my child’s health.”
In her comment, the CDC Project Director, Delphine Misan-Arenyeka noted that the attempt by the Abeokuta group inspired the We Too Can Grow scheme. She explained that CDC saw the conscious effort of Dayonmi Love Foundation in tackling the needs of their children and decided to lend support for tangible results to be achieved, since government has failed to address their plight.
“We saw a group of parents of children with special needs and we started teaching them home therapy and provided them with starter packs for educational therapy. We also realised that most of them do not have the financial capability to take care of these children and we approached Promasidor for the scheme to be initiated. That was how Dayonmi Love Foundation instigated the whole process of the project,” Arenyeka explained.
On the project, Dr.Olayinka Akindayomi, CDC Service Director, said there are plans to extend it to other states as children with special needs exist nationwide.
The Coordinator Corporate Communications, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Isiaka Lawal said We Too Can Grow shows the strong commitment of the company in making children with special needs occupy their place as citizens of this country.
The event was well attended by the CDC management, Promasidor team, personnel of Community Development Foundation (CDF), team of Surbpolitan Microfinance Bank, the facilitator and the Physiotherapist who offer home therapy to children with cerebral palsy.
