By Angela Atabo
The Transforming Church School of Ministry (TISOM) 2026 Advance Group 13 has extended a message of hope, love and resilience to teachers and caregivers working with children with special needs.
The group’s Team Lead, Ms Blessing Ahmadu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the initiative focused on strengthening the emotional resilience of both caregivers and autistic children.
Ahmadu said that the initiative was also aimed at reaffirming the dignity and value of both caregivers and the children.
The outreach programme, themed “Ministering to Teachers and Caregivers of Children with Autism through Biblical Love Principles,” provided encouragement and practical support to educators and caregivers.
Ahmadu highlighted the intrinsic worth of every child, including those with autism, citing Psalm 139:13–14, which affirms that all are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
She said the outreach was inspired by recognition of the vital role played by caregivers who often work under demanding conditions, referencing biblical injunctions on love in 1 Corinthians 16:14 and Hebrews 13:16.
“We came to encourage them and remind them that their labour is not in vain. Caregivers and teachers pour so much into these children, and it is important they feel supported and appreciated.
“We came to remind you that although you work behind the scenes, but God sees you and He will reward according to Proverbs 11:25 which says that the generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.
“Likewise, in Mathew 10:42, God said if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
She explained that the programme emphasised love, patience and perseverance in caregiving while addressing burnout and emotional stress commonly experienced in the profession.
According to her, caregivers were encouraged to remain steadfast in spite of the demands of their work, noting that their efforts would create lasting impact in the lives of the children.
Ahmadu urged Nigerians to demonstrate compassion, sustained support and collective responsibility toward vulnerable groups to ensure that no child or caregiver feels neglected.
Also speaking, Mr Oluwayemi Dotun, Class Governor of TISOM 2026 Advanced Level, described caregiving for children with special needs as a profound act of love.
“It takes God to truly love and care for these children. That kind of commitment is pure love,” he said.
Dotun commended teachers and caregivers for their sacrifice and dedication, urging them not to relent in spite of the physical and emotional challenges.
“It may stretch or even frustrate you at times, but remember that you are not just doing it for them, you are doing it for God. It is a seed being sown that will yield lasting impact,” he added.
He also called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in religious and community spaces, stressing that they should not be viewed solely as recipients of miracles but as valued members of society.
“They must be included, valued, and given a sense of belonging,” he said, advocating for more inclusive practices in churches and communities.
The Founder of Saimam Special Needs Centre, Dr Haniyat Badamsuiy-Salisu, commended the TISOM Advance Class Capstone Project Group 13 for the outreach, describing it as impactful.
Badamsuiy-Salisu said such gestures enhanced motivation among caregivers and contributed to improved service delivery.
“I think they are doing an amazing job with the children. We are seeing progress with them. I can’t thank them enough, and this means so much to us,” she said.
She advised parents of children with special needs to accept their children’s conditions and seek early intervention.
“Parents should accept whatever the child’s condition is and start early intervention because early intervention is key.
“When they remain in denial and hide their children, it delays progress. The child keeps growing, and intervention may not be as effective later,” she said.
She emphasised that caring for children with special needs was a responsibility entrusted to parents and urged them to rise to the challenge.
A therapist at the centre, Bamret Shedrak, stressed the need to eliminate societal stigma and promote the integration of persons with disabilities into mainstream society.
“We must break barriers and prejudices against Person With Disabilities (PWDs) so they are no longer seen as a minority group but fully included,” she said.
Shedrak identified limited resources as a major challenge facing the centre, noting that children with special needs require personalised care tailored to their individual abilities.
“Each child is different. You must identify their strengths and build on them. It takes patience, resilience, and commitment from the entire team,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ATAB/FAK
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Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
