By Ngozi Anosike
Behind every child living with disability is a family searching for support, clarity, hope, and a place where they will not be judged.
Against this backdrop, Lifeline Organization For Children Empowerment (LOCE) has concluded plans to create a safe, structured space where more families can access early intervention, learning, life skills, food, and play for their children.
The plan include the official launch of phase 1 of its infrastructure development plan as well as the acquisition of 30 plots of land meant to serve as the permanent site of its Inclusive Children Development Centre.
Speaking to National Network Newspaper, the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Ngozichukwuka Obiyo disclosed that for over 12 years, the organization has provided inclusive education, therapy services, inclusive play, advocacy, and community support for children with disabilities and other underserved children across the state.
She regretted that LOCE’s operations and activities have been conducted in limited and temporary space adding that the land acquisition marked a historic transition from program-based intervention to permanent infrastructure development.
“Before we build classrooms and therapy rooms, we must first secure the ground, Inclusion requires permanence”, she stated.
According to LOCE ‘s Executive Director, the land which represented stability, dignity, and long-term access for children who are too often excluded, also formed the foundation for a future inclusive campus that would feature inclusive classrooms, therapy and intervention units, Vocational training hubs, library, inclusive playground, and boarding house.
She further informed that phase 1 focused solely on purchasing the land as construction would follow in subsequent phases.
On why she ventured into this project for children living with disabilities, the founder of LOCE said her own experiences of exclusion and what she felt each time she listened to a parent share their journey reminded her “why the project matters”.
Calling for financial support, she enjoined individuals, corporate partners, and institutions to contribute towards securing the land and anchoring inclusive infrastructure within the state.
“Inclusion needs space. LOCE is working to secure it. Your ₦10,000 today can make a huge difference and bring us closer to this vision”, she pleaded. She hinted that supporters could participate through the ”Secure the Ground” campaign by funding full plots, shared plots, or contribute to the collective land fund by donating to Lifeline Organization for Children Empowerment account, Stanbic IBTC 0034015077 or through our website www.lifelinechildren.com.
