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The Eclatify Foundation paid a heartwarming visit to the Nigerian Blind Training Centre in Ogbomosho. The visit was marked by a generous donation of essential items to support the daily lives of the blind individuals at the centre.
The items donated included rice, clothes, semovita, biscuits, detergents, spaghetti, and other necessities aimed at improving the comfort and well-being of the residents.
During the visit, Sam Adekunle shared an emotional speech with the attendees. He expressed the foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with unique abilities and fostering inclusive communities.
“It’s a great honor to be here today at the Nigerian Blind Training Centre, Ogbomosho, Oyo state,” Adekunle said.
“At Eclatify Foundation, we are committed to creating a brighter and equitable future by addressing society’s core needs, especially those with unique abilities, by fostering inclusive communities and ensuring equal access to opportunities.”
He continued, “Today, we are here not just to observe, but to truly see, feel, and admire how each one of them is coping with life’s challenges, and to recognize the strength, resilience, and beauty in how they navigate the world. We look forward to learning from their experiences and exploring how we can make a meaningful impact—one that reflects the compassion and humanity we all share.”
The donation event was more than just an act of charity, it was a profound experience of empathy and understanding. Sam Adekunle, along with Tabitha, one of the member of the foundation, went a step further by pretending to be blind. The pair deliberately blindfolded themselves to experience firsthand the challenges that blind individuals face daily.
Tabitha shared her personal experience of being blindfolded for two hours. “Today I was blind for 2 hours, and those hours were exciting,” she said.
“One of my lecturers used to say that ‘disability is not inability,’ and I didn’t realize that until now. I could understand where the sun was while blind because I could feel it and also notice a shadow. Eating while blind was somehow fun, and it all comes to a conclusion that it is not easy, but at the same time, it was an ultimate experience.”
Another member of the foundation, Silver, also shared his experience. “Coming here today really changed my mentality about life,” he said.
“I realized that people without eyes could do a lot more than I thought they could. From feeding to playing the drums, they really sing well. Anyway, like they say, ‘there is ability in disability,’ I believe that today.”
During an interview with one of the staff members at the centre, Mrs. Lawal, she explained the admission process in her mother’s dialect. “Whenever we want to admit any of the students, they bring them first to us to see and assess the physical challenges he or she has. Then, they obtain a form, and go to the teaching hospital for a test. After confirmation that the individual is blind, we will admit them,” she said.
She continued, “Here, they don’t pay for accommodation and feeding, everything is free. Some of the adults admitted here, who have passed the primary school level, are engaged in learning skills like cloth making, bead making, foot mat making, soap making, etc. But those who are still in primary school will complete their primary school education, proceed to secondary school, and sit for the same exams as others, including JAMB. They follow the same process as those with sight, and then they can proceed to higher institutions.”
The visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, inclusion, and support for marginalized communities. The Nigerian Blind Training Centre expressed their gratitude for the foundation’s generous contributions and their dedication to bettering the lives of those with disabilities.
Eclatify Foundation’s visit and donation underscored their continued commitment to making a positive change in the lives of the less fortunate, proving that compassion and solidarity can truly bring about a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
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