Throwing it back to an inspiring week in September when The Engraced Ones were opportuned take part in training sessions in Abuja, for PO’s of the Inclusion First Phase-Out Project, organized by Liliane Fonds, through The Leprosy Mission Nigeria.
We focused on essential topics around safeguarding practices to keep our communities safe for children and youngsters with disabilities, empowering economic independence through cooperative groups, and strengthening financial management for sustainable impact.
Beyond the learning, it was an incredible chance to connect with experts and like-minded organizations committed to positive change. We left feeling inspired, equipped with new insights, and more motivated to make a meaningful difference for persons with special needs, their families, and the communities we support.
We are grateful to Liliane Fonds and The Leprosy Mission Nigeria for this experience.
As the 2024/2025 academic session kicked off, staff members from The Engraced Ones, School of Grace Learning and Vocational Center, and Gracelane Miracle Inclusive School convened for a lively two-day training session at the School of Grace Learning and Vocational Center, Kurudu, Abuja on September 2nd and 3rd, 2024. The purpose of this event was to improve educators’ capacity to serve students with all abilities and to provide them with solutions for the upcoming academic year.
The session began with introductions and an icebreaker to foster a sense of teamwork. Important seminars on assessment and evaluation, communication and interpersonal skills, mainstreaming in special education, and personal growth and development were led by facilitators. Participants exchanged ideas and made plans for the upcoming year during the group discussions.
Participants were better inspired and equipped to create a more inclusive learning environment by the end of the program, to enable them to satisfy every student’s requirement in the 2024–2025 school year.
The children from the School of Grace Learning and Vocational Centre and Gracelane Miracle Inclusive School, under the umbrella of The Engraced Ones Prayer and Advocacy Initiative, attended an Inclusive Art Exhibition at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion, organized by Indigo Plus Consults Limited themed “Broken Crayons”. The exhibition celebrated the creativity and resilience of individuals with all abilities. The event aimed to promote inclusivity in the arts and foster collaboration between artists with disabilities and the broader art community.
Over 150 people attended the exhibition, including children of all abilities, art enthusiasts, NGO representatives, government officials, and media personnel.
The event featured an opening ceremony, art displays, interactive sessions with artists, panel discussions on inclusivity, and a closing ceremony with a networking session. The exhibition successfully met its objectives, highlighting the need for more inclusive initiatives in the future.
The “Broken Crayons” Inclusive Art Exhibition significantly impacts children with disabilities by giving them a platform to showcase their creativity and gain recognition. This exposure boosts their confidence, challenges societal perceptions of disability, and opens doors to future opportunities in the arts. By participating, these children gain a sense of accomplishment and belonging, inspiring them to pursue their passions and see themselves as valuable contributors to the art world.
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.
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Our final word is, THANK YOU for reading, liking, and sharing our posts.
