The vision bearer for The Straight Child Foundation, a non-governmental and non-profit organization in the state that caters for children with special needs, Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam says Children with special needs and those living with disabilities are gradually experiencing hope and succour in the horizon under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
Dr. Amaraegbulam who made this known during a special children’s party organized by the foundation for the children at Ojukwu bunker in Umuahia, Abia state, commended Governor Otti for showing interest in the affairs of these special groups of people who have for too long faced challenges in different areas that affect their development, well-being and progress.
The consultant orthopaedic surgeon with federal medical centre Umuahia while revealing that the foundation is in the process equipping a Pediatrics Rehabilitation gym for the children among other plans which it hopes to receive assistance and partnerships with relevant government ministries and agencies as well as individuals, appreciated the caregivers of the children and volunteers in the foundation for their dedication and hardwork.
In their separate speeches, a former senior special assistant to the Governor on disability matters Mr. Henry Obialor, Dr. Chibuzo Wachukwu of the Medical Women Association Abia state and Mr. Uchechukwu Uwalaka of the Association of intellectual and Development Disability in Nigeria Abia state encouraged the children and their parents not to allow negative stereotypes to overwhelm them but to keep hope alive and believe that the children can aspire and reach their goals.
The event featured cutting of cake, presentation gifts to all the children that attended the programme, lots individual and group games, dance and singing competitions by the children including those from the special school for the blind. St. Vincent De Paul, Special school for the deaf all in Umuahia.
