Revitalization of the Oji River Special Education Centre (SPC)
The Journey Begins
In 2010, I visited the Oji River Special Education Centre (SPC), which was difficult to access and severely neglected. Over 160 disabled residents lived in over 22 dilapidated buildings without basic amenities like water, electricity, and accessible roads. The conditions were heartbreaking, compelling me to embark on a transformative mission to rebuild, renovate, and empower this community.
Project Vision: Empowerment through "Help to Self-Help"
Our goal is to empower people with disabilities for independent living through skill acquisition and sustainable development. The initiative focuses on:
- Skill Training: Sewing, weaving, handicrafts, soap making, and agriculture.
- Infrastructure Development: Renovation and construction of essential buildings and facilities.
- Sustainability: Preparing students for independent small-scale businesses post-graduation.
Key Project Areas
- Agriculture: Development of animal stables, fish farms, and vegetable gardens.
- Education: Renovation of school buildings, workshops, and classrooms.
- Accommodation: Reconstruction of dormitories and staff quarters.
- Infrastructure: Establishment of multipurpose buildings, kitchens, toilets, and access roads.
- Skill Acquisition: Setting up workshops for sewing, weaving, and soap making.
- Utilities: Installation of solar-powered water and energy systems.
Project Phases
First Phase (2011-2023)
- Construction of access roads and pathways.
- Renovation of 17 school dormitories, hostels, and living apartments.
- Restoration of multipurpose buildings, staff quarters, kitchens, workshops, and toilets.
- Installation of water supply systems and initial solar-powered electricity units.
Second Phase (2023 - Ongoing)
- Completion of infrastructure renovations.
- Finalization of water, energy, and road systems.
- Expansion of agricultural projects with experimental workshops.
- Focus on youth empowerment, integrating disabled and non-disabled youths in skill training programs.
Achievements (2011 - 2023)
- 48 Projects Completed: 10 new projects (21%) and 38 rebuilt projects (79%).
- Water Projects: Installation of solar-powered boreholes, ensuring accessible clean water.
- Power Supply: Introduction of solar-powered electricity units in key areas.
- Multipurpose Buildings: Construction of kitchens, dining halls, and food storage facilities.
- Accommodation: Renovation of 17 dormitories and apartments equipped with beds, wardrobes, and fans.
- Agriculture: Reconstruction of animal stables, poultry houses, and the establishment of vegetable gardens and fish farms.
Sustainability Measures
- Skill Empowerment: Training students in vocational skills for self-reliance.
- Agriculture: Developing sustainable farms to support the center's food supply and income.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Establishing protocols for continuous maintenance of facilities.
Current Requests
- Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): To formalize collaborations and enhance contributions from philanthropists and stakeholders.
- Completion of the Security Wall: Addressing security concerns and ensuring the safety of residents and students.
Call to Action
The revitalization of the Oji River Special Education Centre is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment. We invite the Enugu State Government, philanthropists, and the public to join hands in supporting this noble cause to empower and uplift the lives of these vulnerable individuals.
For inquiries and support, please contact:
Rev. Fr. DDr. Innocent Ndubisi Udeafor
Isenringstrasse 3, CH-9200 Gossau SG, Switzerland
Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of disability, can live with dignity and independence.