On July 14th, 2024, the 7th Option Gardens in Garki was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage at the Inclusive African Children’s Runway organized by The Engraced Ones. Children of all abilities came together to shine, showcasing traditional Nigerian and African attire and their incredible talents.
Highlights included:
• Children’s Runway Show: Children with all abilities, proudly walked the runway in stunning traditional outfits.
• Adult’s Runway Show: Parents and Caregivers of children with special needs, and Persons with Disabilities boldly walked the runway in their various traditional attires, in solidarity with the children.
• Cultural Performances: Music and dance brought African traditions to life.
• Promotion of locally made products: Small-scale fashion designers and owners of locally made brands had the opportunity to display ready-to-wear clothes, bags shoes, and other products.
Seeing the joy and confidence on the children’s faces was truly heartwarming. The event was a success, fostering a sense of community and acceptance. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
We are grateful to the Inclusion First Project, funded by Liliane Fonds, through The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, who are the major sponsors of this event. We also appreciate Cedar Seed Foundation, Safehost International Initiative/Academy, School of Grace Learning and Vocational Centre, Gracelane Miracle Inclusive School, Focusing Dave, The Champion Route Foundation, Grooming Boys Initiative, Thriving Treasures Schools and other partners for all their contribution and effort.
We thank everyone who joined us in making the event a success.
In retrospect to commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) hosted an advocacy conference at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., United States of America, and The Engraced Ones were gracefully represented by Mrs. Biby Yinkere.
This event served as a beacon of hope and empowerment, bringing together individuals, families, advocates, and professionals to celebrate diversity, share experiences, and advocate for inclusivity.
We are honored to have been a part of this gathering of stakeholders to support inclusion, celebrate diversity, and fight for the rights of people with Down syndrome.
In the past 20 days, we’ve had conversations about Down Syndrome. We told you ways to identify and manage it.
In summary, DS is the most common chromosomal disorder. It is not a disease, neither is it hereditary.
Biby Yinkere, Convener of The Engraced Ones celebrating persons with Down Syndrome live at the World Down Syndrome Day Conference in Washington DC.
We discussed common stereotypes and established that individuals born with the condition can be integrated into society, marry, and be gainfully employed. In addition, we told you that they hate labels and name-calling.
We discussed issues related to their IQ, which is often lower than expected. However, we shared stories of people who are thriving and undeterred. During this period, we discussed the health conditions they are prone to encounter.
Above all, we drew the attention of parents and caregivers to the prayer tool, which grants divine enablement and grace for an extraordinary journey.
We are unapologetic about the fact that everyone has the responsibility of care for our champions.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day from all of us at The Engraced Ones.
Please join the Engraced Ones. Together, one person at a time, we would achieve our goal of helping people with Down syndrome in Nigeria and beyond, lead meaning lives.
Our social media handles on FB, X, and IG are ‘The Engraced Ones’. Please inbox me if you require further clarification.
Our final word is, THANK YOU for reading, liking, and sharing our posts.
Who has the responsibility to care for and integrate people with Down Syndrome into society?
EVERYBODY!!!
When it comes to the management and integration of people with disability into society, there’s no blame game! Like we say in Nigeria, ‘no sidon look’.
You know what? Caring for our loved ones who are different from us requires 5 key ingredients – love, patience, knowledge, a willing mind, and above all, God.
“Everyone has the responsibility to care for and integrate people with Down Syndrome”.
Biby Yinkere, Convener, The Engraced Ones.
Interestingly, money is not the key requirement for caring for engraced people. Unfortunately, some people think ‘it’s easier for Mrs ‘A’ to care for her child than me because she has money’. The Bible talks about situations where money fails, and this is one of them. Yes, money makes it easier, but if you lack the requirements listed above, you can’t do much for people with disability.
At this point, I’ll speak about God and disability. I give God full credit for the development and care of every living being. Don’t be deceived. I’ve heard people say, ‘when it comes to disability, leave God out of it’. We need’s God help to build courage and a heart to care and survive in spite of limitations.
Primarily, however, the undelisted have the responsibility to give people with disability room to thrive in society;
Family members
Religious places of worship
