2018 WORLD PERSONS' DISABILITY DAY: Hope for the Village Child Foundation Fetes Physicslly Challenged Perdsons

"See The Ability in Your Disability" .... Sister Rita "Ladidi" Schwarzenberger Tells Physically Callenged Persons.

The Hope for the Village Child Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation based in Chkun Local Government Area of Kaduna state, Northwest Nigeria, has been described variously as the place for succor for many with varying challenges either on issues of health or, disabilities.

Rev. Sister Rita "Ladidi" Schwarzenberger

The World Disabled Person’s Day is usually a day set aside globally by the United Nations, annually to celebrate the Physically Challenged in the society including those with impairments such as hearing, sight and also, the mentally challenged (imbecilic).

Sis. "Ladidi" & Musa

These are persons in the society deserving of all the recognition, respect and love from the generality of the populace including government and not pity as some erroneously, conclude.  

This date which is usually celebrated in the month of December of every year by various organizations across the globe, has gradually thrown up, many physically challenged persons with abilities and talents that has given them international and global recognition in their respective states and countries, either in their chosen careers in the very competitive business environment or other social activities like sports.

And, in celebrating the World Person’s Day 2018 in Kaduna, the Hope for the Village Child Foundation, gathered together physically challenged persons Chikun Local Government and adjoining communities within the state to celebrate the global event and provided them with the platform to express their views and engage in proffering solutions to end discrimination against persons with disabilities by members of the society.

Director of the Foundation, Sister Rita Schwazenberger whose love and passion for a healthy and educative society for the less privileged and down trodden in rural communities that lack quality and affordable healthcare, portable drinking water and educational teaching aids, has shown to others that with proper care, love and attention, people with disabilities are not disabled but challenged and can equally become prominent personalities in the society.

Spurred by her passion, the Hope for the Village Child Foundation has carved a niche for itself with many showing appreciation and aligning with her vision and drive.

Speaking with Naij News Alert recently at the event to celebrate the 2018 World Disabled Persons Day in Kaduna, Pastor Monday Yakunat enjoined disabled persons not to feel challenged but instead, put to use, their potentialities and make themselves useful not only to themselves but their families.

Pastor Yakunat addressing the gathering

Pastor Monday Yakunat, who gave an account of himself, appealed to parents to show more care and love towards their wards who are either mentally challenged by keeping them clean at all times even as he acknowledged the challenges involved.

He also urged every physically challenged and the impaired to join the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities JONAPWD so that, collectively, they can all have a voice and be represented at any time when facing harassments and difficulties.

“You are better than somebody else, no matter your condition. Make use of your potentials and you will be amazed at what you will discover about yourself”, Pastor Monday told the gathering.

“Hope for the Village Child Foundation has been so supportive. We do not know how it sources its funds but sincerely, they have been consistent, faithful and taking good care of us. We cannot thank them enough”, he stated.

He equally thanked “Baba Yara”, a very transparent and loving staff of the Foundation who has been a brother and friend for his immense support in reaching out to disabled persons, not minding how inconvenient it could sometimes be.

Comrade Rilwanu Abdullahi, National President of JONAPWD in his address, commended the Hope for the Village Child Foundation for its exceptional contributions at ensuring that persons with disabilities in the society, get adequate care and love, describing the Sister Rita, Director of the Foundation as one “Mother with so much love for everybody”.

“The news that the Hope for the Village Child Foundation was organizing an event to host persons with disabilities, was received with so much happiness as even as politicians, government and our elected leaders have not deemed it fit to call us together. We appreciate “Ladidi” because she truly cares”.

“JONAPWD as a body has chapters at the national, state and local government levels and caters to the needs of persons with visual impairment, mentally retarded and most importantly, reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities while also creating a conducive environment for the members in the society”, he said.

He applauded the media for their strong support even as he noted that the “Bill” to ensure proper legislature concerning Persons With Disabilities has suffered neglect but hoped that it will one day, receive the attention it deserves.

Popularly called “Ladidi” and “Garkunwa Kakasu” by the people in the rural communities, Sister Rita has indeed touched the lives of many through the Hope for the Village Foundation and this has brought smiles and hope to the lives of many residents in rural communities without access to healthcare, portable drinking water and eben education.       

The Hope for the Village Child Foundation, with support from Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Liliane Foundations and her media partners (Naij News Alert) believes that with adequate love and support, persons with disabilities can also be active participants in the growth and development of the country if they are given the right support and encouragement.

Sister Rita “Ladidi” Schwazenberger, who was also proud to show off Musa, a member of the Nigerian paralympic team who also graced the event to celebrate with the Hope for the Village Child Foundation despite pressing national assignments.

Musa, who spoke in Hausa, praised “Ladidi’ for her encouragement and support to persons with disabilities, enjoined others in the society to emulate the “Ladidi” for the exceptional work she has been doing to less privileged persons in the society.

Parents of persons with disabilities who where on ground with their wards could not hide their excitement following the good deeds of the Hope for the Village Child Foundation as they poured encomiums of Sister Rita “Ladidi”, the Foundation’s Director as they also prayer for her to live long and enjoy the fruits of her labour in Nigeria.