By Chioma Obinna & Funmi Ajumobi

Twenty years into the educational, vocational and social care services for children and young adults with disabilities in the country, Children’s Developmental Centre, CDC, and partners have called on Nigerians to learn to show compassion to people living with disabilities in the country.

Making the call during a press conference to announce its 20th Anniversary in Lagos with the theme: “Compassion, Connection: Why our communities should care”, the Service Director of CDC, Dr. Yinka Akindayomi  explained that that the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities into the mainstream can only be achieved through the compassion of the people and communities.

She said the sense of disconnection is so pervasive that unkindness, indifference, and selfishness appear as the norm, while compassion, kindness and caring are the outliers.

Akindayomi who is also the Founder of the Centre, said: “Without compassion there is no connection and 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.”

Further, she stated that in the spirit of its core value – Care and inclusion, the theme of the anniversary was in realisation that inclusion of children and adults with any disabilities into the mainstream can only come through the compassion of the people and communities.

Akindayomi added that for society 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.

The CDC was set up with a vision to support children and young adults with developmental disabilities as well as build their self-esteem, social skills and achievement but most importantly creating an environment that is accepting of differences. She disclosed that after two decades the organisation has impacted on the lives of over 2000 children and young adults with development disabilities.

and their families.

“Slowly, our impact is being felt through various projects dotted throughout Nigeria. It is our mission to revolutionise the basic services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.”

Reaching this important milestone represents a remarkable evidence of the body’s relevance and commitment to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, Akindayomi said, adding that the service looks ahead to the next decade with renewed resolve and vigour to serve the community even more.

“CDC is committed to ensuring that consumers of the service are able to strive and thrive through making their own decisions”. With CDC, we are a continuum of service, which supports people with developmental disabilities throughout their life journey either through education, vocational, recreation and sports or social welfare or ensuring inclusion within the community. One way in which we are achieving this continuum is through the Community Living Scheme and Learning Projects for Young Adults, to be located throughout the Lagos metropolis, creating a safe environment to live as good neighbours in local communities.”

She said the 20th anniversary milestone will remain a watershed in its journey because it has provided further motivation and a solid platform to continue to render valuable service to the society.