It was a moving scene of joy, laughter, and emotional healing as the Nurture Special Education Needs Foundation (NSENF) hosted a remarkable Children’s Day Play Therapy Event at JPEC Chimel Academy in Zaria on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The event, specially designed for children with neurological and psychosocial disabilities alongside their neurotypical peers, blossomed into a vibrant celebration of inclusion, empathy, and community resilience.
The programme aimed to provide a safe and expressive space for children with special needs to thrive through play, social interaction, and creative engagement. The day featured a rich array of therapeutic activities including a Sensory Play Corner, a Creative Arts Zone, music and movement sessions, and puppet-led storytelling. These activities were carefully curated to support sensory integration, emotional expression, and confidence-building in the children.
One of the most touching moments of the day was the “I Am a Star” recognition ceremony. Each participating child was called forward and honoured for their uniqueness, courage, and contributions. The room resounded with applause as children beamed with joy while receiving their certificates and hearing affirming words from facilitators and volunteers.
A key feature of the event was an expert-led dialogue with parents and caregivers, which offered guidance on managing developmental challenges and promoting inclusive learning at home. The interactive forum also gave caregivers a rare opportunity to share their personal experiences and find solidarity among others walking similar paths. Many described it as a healing space where they felt deeply seen and heard.
Despite challenges such as limited funding, overstimulation among some participants, and a last-minute change of venue, the event was well attended. Organisers recorded the participation of 17 children with special needs, 5 neurotypical children, 13 parents and caregivers, and several professionals from the media, education, and humanitarian sectors.
The success of the event was made possible by an energetic team of volunteers and key partners who contributed time, materials, and expertise. These included the Centre for Girls Education (CGE), FAM Initiative, and Quatech Photography. Special commendations were extended to Hajiya Habiba Mohammed of CGE and Jecinta Egbim of FAM Initiative for their donations and tireless coordination efforts.
“This is more than a celebration; it is a movement for empathy, awareness, and sustained support for our children,” said Aisha Ibrahim Ahmad, Executive Director of NSENF, during her closing remarks. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to championing inclusive development and called on government agencies, civil society groups, and the general public to prioritise the needs of children living with disabilities.
While modest in scale, the Zaria Play Therapy Event left a lasting impact on participants, caregivers, and volunteers alike. It offered a hopeful glimpse of what is possible when communities rally around their most vulnerable with compassion, creativity, and commitment.
NSENF hopes this initiative will inspire similar events across the country, advocating for inclusive education and therapeutic support systems for children with special needs—not just on Children’s Day, but throughout the year.
South South Times . 