Worship for Change, a registered non-profit organization under the Corporate Affairs Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is dedicated to supporting vulnerable orphans and children with special needs through the power of music.
The organization utilizes concerts and gospel music as a means to raise awareness and generate assistance for organizations that cater to the unique needs of these individuals.
Over the past decade, Worship for Change has successfully secured grants, enabling the implementation of impactful projects within their affiliated organizations. Through these endeavours, the organization has been able to make a profound difference in the lives of numerous children residing in indigenous communities.
In October 2022, The Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation was honoured as one of the grant recipients of the Worship for Change in recognition and appreciation of the foundation’s valuable work and their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children with cerebral palsy in Nigeria.
The grant award from Worship for Change was secured in the implementation of the fifth cohort of the project titled “Empowered Mothers, Thriving Children”. This annual program focuses on alleviating poverty and fostering inclusive economic opportunities for 10 low-income mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy throughout Nigeria. In addition to that, the project aims to enhance the educational outcomes of 10 children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy through STEM and Robotics Learning. The grant award plays a crucial role in empowering these mothers, providing them with the necessary resources and support to improve their economic situation and create a better future for their children.
Following a rigorous interview and screening process, ten mothers from various locations in Lagos, Nigeria, were carefully chosen as successful applicants. These selected individuals then participated in a comprehensive full-day capacity training program. The training was designed to empower them with essential Small Business Development Skills, including financial management, accounting, proper pricing strategies, budgeting, bookkeeping, tracking household finances, customer relationship skills, saving and investment strategies, digital marketing techniques, as well as effective business pitch skills. By equipping these mothers with a diverse range of skills and knowledge, they are better prepared to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.
During interactive sessions, educators from the Special Needs Initiative For Growth guided the mothers on how to effectively utilize each tool to support their children’s development and enhance their cognitive abilities within the comforts of their own homes. By equipping the mothers with the necessary knowledge and understanding, they can play an active role in maximizing the potential of their children, fostering their functionality and intelligence.
The mothers confidently presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of three judges, consisting of esteemed individuals in their respective fields. The judges included Funmi Adebajo, CEO of Kindle Africa, Seun Sangoleye, CEO of BabyGrubs, and Funmi Ayoola, a representative of Worship for Change. Through their persuasive pitches, the mothers showcased their entrepreneurial vision, passion, and determination to the panel. This opportunity allowed them to receive valuable feedback, insights, and potential support from these experienced professionals.
In recognition of their outstanding performance, the winners of the competition received well-deserved grants to support their entrepreneurial ventures. Omidire Busayo, who secured first place, was awarded a grant of fifty-five thousand naira. Chidinma Chukwu, the second-place winner, received a grant of fifty thousand Naira, while the third-place winner was awarded forty-five thousand Naira. Additionally, the remaining seven participants were not left empty-handed as they each received consolation grants of forty thousand Naira to boost their businesses.
The project facilitators, Tobiloba Ajayi, Racheal Inegbedion, Seun Sangoleye, Amdi Salam, Nkem Okocha, and Kikelomo Olatunde were available for the full-day training to take the mothers through the skills required to scale their small businesses. They commended the mothers for taking the bold step of signing up for the training and admonished them to keep learning how to scale their businesses.
Funmi Ayoola, the representative from Worship for Change, expressed their deep sense of honor in sponsoring the project. They emphasized their commitment to providing ongoing support to The Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation in their mission to create a positive impact on the lives of more mothers and children living with cerebral palsy.
Tobiloba Ajayi, the Chief Responsibility Officer of the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, emphasized the significance of the project as a key intervention to reduce parental dependence on handouts and voluntary donations for meeting the essential needs of their children, including their upkeep, health, and education. The foundation recognizes the importance of empowering parents to become more self-reliant and less reliant on external support.
During the interview, Racheal Inegbedion further highlighted the project’s accomplishments over the past five years. She shared that it has successfully improved access to financial and digital opportunities for low-income mothers with children living with cerebral palsy. By enhancing household income for these women, the project enables them to provide better care and support to their children with disabilities. This holistic approach aims to uplift both the financial well-being of the mothers and the overall quality of life for their children.
Through their dedicated efforts, the Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation and Special Needs Initiative For Growth have demonstrated their commitment to empowering families and creating a sustainable impact in Nigeria. Their work not only addresses immediate challenges but also contributes to long-term solutions for a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with cerebral palsy and their families.
