28/09/2024
Inside Life of the Semi-Abandoned Handicapped Children
On the 18th of July this year, around 4 pm, out of curiosity and a desire to explore the community I live in, I visited the "Torrey Home for Handicapped Children" in Tudun-Maliki, located near Zoo Road inside Kano Town. Below are some of the observations I gathered during my visit and discussions with the officials at the home.
The Life of Idris:
Idris is around 14 years old and has been at the Torrey Home for quite some time. He is both mentally and physically handicapped. At 14, Idris cannot stand without support, let alone walk. While he recognizes his name, he cannot communicate and, when called upon, simply stares in the direction of the sound.
The Life of Sani:
Sani is a 16-year-old who is physically strong but suffers from severe mental health challenges. He is the only child I noticed exhibiting violent tendencies. Sani is often locked inside a room, nearly naked, as he tends to tear off his clothes.
Other Children:
There are several other children with a wide range of disabilities, varying from mild to severe. Some have begun learning, while others are still struggling with communication. In addition to their mental illnesses, some of the children also have medical conditions.
The Motherly Love:
Despite all these challenges, I observed that the chairperson of the Torrey Home, Hajia, treats the children as if they were her own. No matter the extent of their disabilities, the children light up when she enters the room. During my emotionally charged tour, it became clear that the children trust her deeply, and because of her presence, they never regarded me as a threat.
Hajia is highly concerned about the children's well-being. In our discussion, she explained the overall situation and the challenges the home is facing. The home is primarily supported by the government, with additional aid from well-meaning citizens.
The Need for Support:
There are many ways we, as individuals and groups, can support these children. Even the smallest contribution can make a difference in their lives.
During my visit, some of the immediate challenges I observed included the need for:
1. Weeding the surrounding environment to prevent malaria and other insect- or reptile-related diseases.
2. Fixing the nets on windows and doors to improve protection against mosquitoes and other pests.
3. Nutritional upgrades to ensure the children receive a balanced diet.
Disclaimer: The names and ages of the children mentioned above have been changed for confidentiality purposes.
