KidsABILITY Initiative started in 2016 in Southern Nigeria and was replicated in Ghana and other parts of Nigeria, reaching over 1,700 beneficiaries in 2018; including children and young persons with special needs, caregivers and education stakeholders.
Increasingly, the project’s advocacy component “#LetPWDsThrive” has reached thousands of online audience; increasing awareness on the rights and abilities of persons with special needs and influencing contributors and gatekeepers to take on initiatives to foster a resilient, inclusive and enabling community, for PWDs to thrive and fufill their life potentials.
Outcome 1: Improved self-esteem and economic relevance for children and young persons with special needs
Meet our Founder/Creative Director
Deborah is a Humanitarian Professional, and a Disability Rights Activist. She has worked with different International Organizations on multi-sectoral humanitarian, transitional and development interventions across Africa and Europe focused on improving the lives of different marginalized groups impacted by conflict, migration, and disasters.
Deborah is a Mandela Washington Fellow (A US Department of State initiative for young African Leaders) and an EU-Erasmus Mundus Scholar on International Humanitarian Action (NOHA+), she is also a recipient of the World Bank Women X Programme at Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria.
Deborah has an undying passion to serve the needs of Children with Disabilities. Her vision for KidsABILITY Initiative was nursed during her study period in Ghana Christian University, as a Bachelors Student in Development Management. She was keen about researching a rare and relevant societal issue for her dissertation, she eventually chose the topic: ‘The Impact of Vocational Training on the Livelihoods of Persons with Disabilities’. With the help of her academic advisor, Mr Alexander Tetteh, who is a disability rights activist in Ghana and a person with a physical disability, she was able to engage Accra Rehabilitation Centre, different disability rights groups and the association of disabled beggars in Accra. Her encounter with the beggars association triggered her interest to help persons with disabilities define their POSSIBILITIES. This is the hope that KidsABILITY Initiative fuels within children; providing a platform for them to create, engage and dream.
Deborah’s fulfillment is drawn from the joy and hope families express everytime they see the strengths of their special needs children on display. Art has now become a tool that amplifies the voices and the rights of the children. Through the works of KidsABILITY Initiative not only will their creative works be showcased, but out-of-school children with disabilities will be supported to go back to school.
Deborah is happily married to Majekodunmi Abayomi, an IP Lawyer who is also passionate about Human Rights and development issues.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
OPERATIONS OFFICER
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