On 25th January2024, our team conducted a needs assessment at Onaopemipo center for children and youths with special needs Ado-Ekiti. The purpose of the assessment was to evaluate the current needs of the center and explore opportunities for collaboration and support.

The Onaopemipo Center for Children with Special Needs is a renowned institution that provides comprehensive care and support for children with various disabilities. The center, founded by Mr. & Mrs. Olumide, has been dedicated to improving the lives of these children through education, therapy, and vocational training.

During our visit, Mr. Olumide graciously took our team around the center, providing valuable insights into the daily operations and challenges faced by the staff and children. The assessment focused on identifying the specific areas where the center required assistance.

One of the key challenges expressed by Mr. Olumide was the financial constraints faced by the center. He highlighted that due to limited resources, the center struggled to meet the growing demands for specialized equipment, educational materials, and therapeutic services. This financial strain had an impact on the quality of care provided to the children.

The needs assessment revealed several areas where the children required additional support:

a. 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬: The center lacked essential educational resources such as textbooks, learning materials, and assistive technologies tailored to the specific needs of the children.

b. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Access to specialized therapists, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, was limited due to financial constraints. Expanding these services would significantly enhance the children’s development and well-being.

c. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: The center lacked essential adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication devices, which are crucial for the mobility and communication needs of the children.

d. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The center’s infrastructure required completion to provide adequate space for the growing number of children.

f. 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: The center lacked an adequate supply of mattresses for the children. Providing comfortable and suitable mattresses would contribute to their overall well-being and ensure a good night’s sleep.

g. 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬: The center required donations of foodstuff and other supplies to meet the daily needs of the children. This included nutritious meals, personal hygiene items, clothing, and recreational materials.

Mr. Olumide expressed his appreciation for the GoldHeart Foundation’s visit and highlighted the need for support to address these challenges. He welcomed any form of assistance that our organization could provide, including financial support, donations of educational resources, and expertise in specialized areas.

The needs assessment at the Onaopemipo Center for Children with Special Needs shed light on the financial constraints faced by the institution and the various needs of the children under its care. The GoldHeart Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting such organizations and acknowledges the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of these children.

Moving forward, the GoldHeart Foundation will review the findings of the assessment and explore opportunities for collaboration and support. By leveraging our resources, networks, and expertise, we aim to contribute to the growth and development of the Onaopemipo Center and make a positive difference in the lives of the children with special needs.

We recognize that no single organization or individual can address these challenges alone. Therefore, we appeal to the generosity and compassion of individuals and organizations to come together and support the Onaopemipo Center. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference in the lives of these children.