By Yusuf Musa
Visiting an orphanage and a handicapped children’s home is an experience that leaves a lasting impact on both the visitors and the children visited. Recently, I had the opportunity to accompany students of Baba-Ahmed University Kano (Nigeria), on such a visit. The primary goal of the excursion was to expose students to the realities of life for orphans and children with disabilities, thereby inculcating in them the values of empathy, kindness, and social responsibility.
One site of the visit
Our first stop was the Nasarawa Children Home where abandoned children and children who had lost their parents were being taken care of. As we entered, the faces of the children lit up with excitement. Our students and staff interacted with them, played games, and engaged in conversations that brought smiles to their faces. It was evident that the children yearned for love and attention, which our presence, even if only for a short while, helped to provide.
Beyond playing and talking with the children, we also distributed food items, clothes, and diapers. Some of the students took the time to listen to the children’s stories, and we all realized how important it is to care for the less privileged. The visit left a deep impression on the students, making them reflect on how fortunate they were and how much they could do to support others.
Next, we proceeded to the Handicapped Children’s Home (known as Torrey Home Tudun Maliki, Kano), which housed children with mental and physical disabilities. This visit was even more emotional. The sight of children struggling with mental illnesses and physical disabilities moved many students to tears. Some of the children could barely communicate, while others required constant care and assistance.
Despite their conditions, some of them managed to smile and respond to our gestures of kindness. We handed out essential supplies, food, and clothes, and the caregivers at the home expressed their gratitude. Seeing the dedication of the caregivers and the resilience of the children made us all appreciate the importance of compassion and support for people with special needs.
The experience at the orphanage and the handicapped home was profound. It made the students realize the harsh realities that some people face daily. Many of them expressed a strong desire to continue supporting orphans and disabled children in any way they could. Some even pledged to return for more visits and explore ways to contribute meaningfully to such homes.
The trip served its purpose. It instilled a sense of responsibility in the students, teaching them that true success in life is not just about personal achievements but also about helping others. The tears, the laughter, and the moments of deep reflection during the visit reinforced the importance of kindness, charity, and humanity.
This experience will forever remain in our hearts, and it has inspired us all to do more for those in need.
One more site
Our visit to the orphanage and the handicapped children’s home made it clear that more needs to be done to support these vulnerable groups. While individual acts of kindness are valuable, lasting change requires collective efforts from individuals, the government, and organizations.
Every individual I believe has a role to play in improving the lives of orphans and children with disabilities. People can donate money, clothes, food, and educational materials to orphanages and special needs homes. More importantly, volunteering time to interact with these children, offering mentorship, and providing emotional support can make a significant difference in their lives. Educated individuals can also offer free tutoring or skill training to help orphans and disabled children become self-reliant in the future.
The government has a major responsibility in ensuring the well-being of orphans and children with disabilities. It should increase funding for orphanages and homes for the disabled, ensuring they have adequate food, healthcare, education, and social support. Special education programs should be introduced and strengthened in schools to accommodate children with disabilities. The government should also enforce child protection laws to prevent orphans from being exploited, abused, or neglected. Providing scholarships and vocational training programs for these children will help them integrate better into society and live independently as they grow older.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious institutions, and corporate bodies can make a big impact by organizing fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs. They can sponsor healthcare, rehabilitation, and therapy services for disabled children and establish scholarship programs for orphans. Companies should also adopt inclusive policies that create job opportunities for people with disabilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Supporting orphans and children with disabilities is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of individuals, the government, and organizations. If all sectors of society work together, we can create an environment where these children are cared for, empowered, and given equal opportunities to succeed in life. The visit to the orphanage and the handicapped home reminded us that kindness and support should not be occasional acts but continuous efforts to uplift the less privileged.
The author is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Baba-Ahmed University Kano, Nigeria
