Empowering Futures: NAPVID’s Journey in Promoting Girl Child Education and Disability Inclusion

At NAPVID (Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities), we are dedicated to transforming the lives of children with disabilities, particularly the girl child, by ensuring access to quality education and empowerment opportunities. We stand firmly on the principle that education is a fundamental right—a powerful equalizer that can unlock potential, inspire hope, and foster national development.

Our multi-faceted interventions focus on rehabilitation, financial assistance, assistive learning materials, and inclusive education advocacy. Through these efforts, we have witnessed inspiring stories of resilience and achievement that showcase how proper support transforms challenges into milestones.

Spotlight on Success: Kindness Idahosa’s Inspirational Journey

Kindness Idahosa’s story embodies the power of hope and support. Diagnosed with a severe spinal cord condition at age 12 that confined her to a wheelchair for over 13 years, Kindness had to stop schooling in Junior Secondary School 2. Her dreams appeared to have faded—until NAPVID intervened.

Through rehabilitation and comprehensive support—including education sponsorship, assistive materials, accommodation, and feeding—Kindness resumed her education at Idia College. Her hard work paid off as she progressed through secondary school and gained admission to study law at the University of Benin. Graduating in 2024 and excelling at the Nigerian Law School, she is on course to be officially called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2025. Kindness’s journey radiates hope and illustrates the impact of inclusive education and holistic support.

Voices of Change: Student Testimonials from Our Recent Education Support

During a recent empowerment campaign, students supported by NAPVID shared moving testimonials that reveal the transformative effect of education and inclusion:

• Chijioke Victory, visually impaired, recounted how NAPVID’s provision of Braille materials and assistive technologies empowered her to overcome barriers and pursue her academic ambitions at Idia College. Chijioke emphasized, “With the right tools and support, no disability can hold us back.”

• Osaiwie Joy Imasuen, who has battled blindness since childhood, expressed deep gratitude for NAPVID’s sponsorships that enabled her to advance through university. She highlighted the importance of inclusive learning environments and advocates for strengthened education policies for disabled students.

• Orukpe Blessing Ekugiawe, a law student benefiting from NAPVID’s financial and academic aid, shared her determination to become a beacon for girls with disabilities, stating, “My education is paving the way for others to break societal barriers.”

These testimonies underscore the critical importance of accessible education, support services, and advocacy in enabling children with disabilities to thrive academically and socially.

NAPVID’s Advocacy for Inclusive Education

Beyond direct support, NAPVID actively champions inclusive education as a cornerstone for equal opportunity. We engage with government bodies, education stakeholders, and communities to:

• Promote the implementation of the 10-Year Disability-Centred Inclusive Education Strategic Roadmap (DIESTRES), aimed at enhancing special and inclusive education infrastructure and policies in Edo State and beyond.

• Advocate for the recruitment of trained special educators and the provision of assistive devices and learning materials tailored to the needs of children with various disabilities.

• Campaign for the structural adaptation of educational institutions to make learning environments accessible, safe, and supportive.

• Call for residential special schools with curricula designed for different disability conditions, along with provisions for comfortable accommodation and feeding.

• Push for legal frameworks and disability commissions that safeguard and advance the rights of persons with disabilities in education and society.

Our ongoing engagement with the Edo State Ministry of Education, other development partners, and communities reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and redefining educational norms to be truly inclusive.

Our Call for Support

Despite the progress, millions of children with disabilities—especially girls—still face exclusion from education due to inadequate resources, stigmatization, and lack of advocacy. To expand our reach and deepen our impact, we urgently call on stakeholders, partners, and well-wishers to join us by providing:

• Scholarships and financial aid to ensure continuity in education

• Assistive learning tools and rehabilitation services

• Adequate accommodation and feeding support for students with disabilities at NAPVID Hostel and Girls Hostel at Idia College

• Programs specifically targeting empowerment and inclusion of girls with disabilities

Together, we can build an educational ecosystem where every child, regardless of physical challenges, has the opportunity to learn, flourish, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Education is a right, not a privilege. With your support, NAPVID will continue to light the beacon of hope and create pathways for every girl child and child with disabilities across Nigeria.

To support or partner with NAPVID, please contact us at:

• Phone: +234 913 607 3671

• Email: info@napvid.org / napvid@gmail.com

• Address: 34 Aruosa Street, Off Sakponba Road, Benin City

Let us work together to turn disabilities into abilities, transforming lives—one child at a time.