The inaugural Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment (SENTE) conference, held in Lagos, served as a platform to advocate for increased government support for neurodivergent children. Mudi Nwachukwu, the Founder and CEO of Rhimamory, an organization dedicated to fostering the potential of all children, spearheaded the call to action. Nwachukwu underscored the conference’s unique approach, emphasizing its focus on providing practical resources and tangible solutions rather than simply presenting statistical data or theoretical analyses. The event featured booths offering vital resources, including information on schools, specialized food options, and therapeutic materials, all designed to aid parents navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs. Nwachukwu highlighted the largely independent nature of the initiative, fueled by the vision of a few dedicated sponsors, and expressed hope for future government collaboration and engagement beyond symbolic gestures. The core message resonated with a plea for genuine solutions, urging government representatives to actively participate in such events to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children.
The SENTE conference offered a practical demonstration of Nwachukwu’s vision for supporting neurodivergent children. Born out of a brief but impactful conversation at a previous special needs conference, SENTE represents a proactive step towards creating a more inclusive environment. Nwachukwu’s emphasis on actionable solutions reflects a deep understanding of the practical challenges faced by parents and caregivers. By providing access to tangible resources and fostering a supportive community, the conference aims to empower families and equip them with the necessary tools to navigate the unique needs of their children. The presence of vendors offering specialized products and services underscores the commitment to facilitating concrete support mechanisms that extend beyond theoretical discussions. This hands-on approach, combined with the platform for dialogue and shared experiences, distinguishes SENTE as a significant contribution to the landscape of special needs advocacy.
Central to Nwachukwu’s appeal is the call for government involvement in addressing the needs of neurodivergent children. She expressed the hope that government agencies would move beyond superficial acknowledgements and engage meaningfully with the issues raised at the conference. This includes attending events like SENTE to gain firsthand insights into the daily realities faced by families raising children with special needs. Nwachukwu’s frustration with the lack of substantive government action was palpable, noting that previous attempts to communicate these needs through letters and phone calls had yielded limited results. The plea for government support is not merely a request for financial assistance but a broader call for greater understanding, empathy, and the implementation of policies that truly foster inclusivity within the Nigerian education system.
The conference also featured insightful perspectives from other prominent figures within the special needs community. Tobiloba Ajayi, Chief Responsibility Officer of Let CP Kids Learn, and Solape Azazi, Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Initiative, both served as panelists, offering their expertise and experience to attending parents, guardians, and educators. They urged a shift in perspective, encouraging a move away from self-blame and questioning (“Why me? Why this?”) towards proactive problem-solving (“What next? What can I do differently?”). This emphasis on empowerment and forward-thinking strategies underscores the importance of equipping families with the tools and resources to effectively advocate for their children’s needs.
The SENTE conference represents a significant stride towards creating a more inclusive society for neurodivergent children in Nigeria. By bringing together parents, educators, and advocates, the event fostered a collaborative environment to address the challenges and celebrate the potential of these children. The emphasis on practical solutions and resource provision distinguished SENTE as a truly impactful initiative, moving beyond theoretical discussions to provide tangible support for families. The call for government involvement echoes a broader movement towards creating a society where all children, regardless of their neurological differences, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
However, the success of SENTE and the realization of its vision for a more inclusive future hinge on the active participation of government agencies. Nwachukwu’s impassioned plea for genuine engagement, moving beyond symbolic gestures to substantive policy changes, highlights the critical role of government in creating a truly supportive environment for neurodivergent children and their families. The continued advocacy of organizations like Rhimamory, combined with the collective efforts of parents, educators, and government representatives, will be crucial in building a society that embraces neurodiversity and ensures that no child is left behind.
