LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A member of the United Kingdom House of Commons, Ms Kate Osamor, has called for more support for the Punuka Foundation Childcare Centre.
The foundation is the charity arm of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors.
The centre focuses on children with developmental needs such as autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related conditions.
Osamor, who represents Edmonton and Winchmore Hill constituency, spoke when she visited the childcare centre in Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos, during which she inaugurated the newly installed elevator (home lift) and other equipment at the centre.
On the need for more support, she said: “Projects like this ensure no child is being left behind.
“There are many children with special needs, and there aren’t many facilities like this to enable them and their families to continue with their lives.
“So, having a boarding facility like this with specialists can help the children, their families and communities accept children with special needs.
“You have to make a stand as a community, government and politician that children with special needs must have special assistance through suitable schools or adaptable homes, and for that to happen, the government has to invest.
“Punuka Foundation Childcare Centre is supported by private benefactors, but that isn’t sustainable.
“Once there is acceptance by the government that there are children with special needs, they can then visit homes such as this, and then have a conversation on how they can support.
“There has to be a designated budget for children with special needs.
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“To adapt a special needs child to a mainstream school requires money, and the government can provide funding support.”
Executive Secretary and Trustee of Punuka Foundation, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe, said the centre offers day and full boarding.
She said more sponsorship was needed to enable the centre to take in more children with special needs because many parents cannot afford to pay for the therapy.
She said. “The major sponsor is Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, myself and Dr Anthony Idigbe (SAN).
“A good percentage of whatever we earn is donated to the centre. The law firm also does likewise.
“We have other donors, including one major donor sponsoring a child to whom we are very grateful, but we need more people like that so we can bring in more children who need help.
“Some of the children who came in here without being toilet-trained are now trained and can do so many things on their own, and their parents are happy, but we need more staff, facilities and equipment, and these things cost a lot of money.
“We planned to host a summer camp for both challenged and those not challenged, but we couldn’t because of funding challenges.
“We also need funding for more buildings to accommodate our specialists and staff, as we have the land space.
“Someone can also pay half the fees of a child, and another can complete the sponsorship.
“I know the government gives support to places like ours. We’ll be delighted to get those kinds of support, even in the form of food items.
“Food is very expensive, and we spend a lot to keep this place running.
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“Having a good number of children means you need as many caregivers because caring for a special needs child requires one-on-one attention, as well as cooks and administrative staff.
“So, whatever support we can get will be welcome.”
Mrs Idigbe said the centre’s well-equipped hall is available for rent and is suitable for different kinds of events, such as training and conferences.
She said the foundation was also open to support from donor agencies and is already reaching out to them.
Chief Idigbe thanked Osamor and the donors for their commitment to impacting the less privileged in Africa by supporting the childcare centre.
Osamor, first cousin of Chief Idigbe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, added that the family was proud of the laudable initiative.
L-R- Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Dr Anthony Idigbe (SAN); member of the United Kingdom House of Commons, Ms. Kate Osamor; Managing Partner, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe and Rev. Efeoghenemaro Ekakitie at the inauguration of newly installed elevator (home lift) and other equipment at the Punuka Foundation Childcare Centre in Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos.