How we came to be
SECHILD emerged from Kawan Aondofa-Anjira’s (the Founder) profound journey of raising their two biological children, both diagnosed with Cerebral.
Sedoo, Kawan’s second child, was born on August 22, 2005. Expecting her was a joyous experience. But the moment Sedoo arrived, Kawan felt a deep immediate fear; she knew something was terribly wrong. Sedoo struggled to breathe, her eyes wobbled, her skin was highly pigmented, and she cried incessantly through the night. Despite her husband’s initial reassurances, Kawan’s concerns persisted.
Various treatments and hospital visits offered no improvement.
At two months, Sedoo was unable to follow objects, prompting a visit to an ophthalmologist. Painful treatments and further consultations revealed that Sedoo had ocular albinism, and at six months, glasses were prescribed in hopes of correction. Trusting in divine intervention, Kawan held onto hope, but Sedoo’s condition did not improve.
A visit to the National Hospital in Abuja led to a devastating diagnosis from the Pediatric Neurology clinic: Sedoo had brain damage and was unlikely to ever roll, sit up, feed herself, stand, walk, or contribute to herself or society. The doctor diagnosed her condition as Cerebral Palsy, compounded by poor muscle tone, nystagmus, and severe underweight.
“Oh God,” Kawan prayed, “Please help me love Sedoo.” Initially, whenever Kawan looked upon Sedoo, her heart broke afresh, all she could see was her prognosis. It was as if the prognosis was more of a person than Sedoo was. This prognosis was like a living creature relentlessly torturing her. Kawan couldn’t seem to get past it and see Sedoo for the sweet little girl she was.
On January 18, 2007, Kawan’s depression deepened with the birth of her third child, Aondofa. He bore a striking resemblance to Sedoo and displayed similar symptoms of brain abnormalities, adding to Kawan’s despair. Feeling abandoned by God, she questioned His love and purpose for her family.
As Sedoo’s therapist noted slight improvements, Kawan’s heart remained heavy with the weight of what Sedoo couldn’t do. Sedoo’s inability to play or recognize her mother contrasted sharply with the joy her small smiles brought.
The struggle to find suitable care centers for her children while maintaining her job as a banker added to Kawan’s frustrations. Schools and relatives turned her away, some even suggesting drastic measures to relieve her of the burden. Despite the overwhelming lack of support, Kawan persevered.
Tragically, Sedoo passed away at 22 months on June 24, 2007. Aondofa, still in need of care, remained, and Kawan was determined to find a solution. Faced with discrimination and relentless challenges, Kawan founded The Sedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs (SECHILD) on January 6, 2011, naming it in honor of her daughter Sedoo. Aondofa became the first child admitted, receiving the care and therapy he needed until his passing at eight years old on June 16, 2014.
What We Do
24/7 Residential Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy: We provide balanced meals, personal care, and assistance with daily activities in a nurturing environment.
Rehabilitation/Therapeutic Services: We offer physical, occupational, aquatic, play, speech, and cognitive rehabilitation for both inpatient and outpatient children with cerebral palsy.
Social and Recreational Activities: We organize inclusive events to enhance the emotional well-being and social skills of children with cerebral palsy, their parents, and caregivers.
Support for Parents and Caregivers: We offer counseling, training, and empowerment to help families support their children’s emotional and physical well-being.
Advocacy for Rights: We promote the rights of children with disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy, and work towards policy implementation for their inclusion and protection.
Community Engagement and Awareness: We conduct campaigns to educate the public about cerebral palsy, foster inclusion, and reduce the isolation of children with disabilities.–
Inclusive Education: We ensure children with cerebral palsy have access to quality education tailored to their needs.
Disability and Mental Health Support: We address both physical and mental health needs, offering psychosocial support and building self-esteem for children, parents, and caregivers.
Protection Against Gender-Based Violence: We implement strategies to protect and empower children with cerebral palsy, particularly against GBV.
Collaboration: We partner with governments, NGOs, parents, caregivers, donors, medical professionals, and communities to enhance support and extend our reach.
Our Strategic Objectives
Raise Awareness: We educate the public about the impact of non-inclusion of children with cerebral palsy, debunk myths, and promote acceptance.-
Advocate for Rights: We fight for the rights of children with cerebral palsy, promoting a more inclusive society and creating opportunities for their self-actualization through sponsorships and training.
Provide Residential Care and Therapy: We offer comprehensive care and therapies to help children with cerebral palsy reach their maximum potential.
Conduct Research: We research effective interventions for children with cerebral palsy.
Support Parents and Caregivers: We provide resources and support to parents and caregivers to help them care for their children effectively.
SECHILD Core Individual Values
Any organization, staff member or stakeholder working, partnering or collaborating with SECHILD is expected to exhibit the following values:
- Resilience
- Self-Respect
- Team work
- Integrity
- A strong Work Ethic
- Dedication
- Service
![](https://sechild.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/individual-core-values.png)
SECHILD Core Values
- Improved well-being
- Service and Engagement
- Children First
- Community
- Empowerment
- Respect
- Leadership and Excellence
- Self-reliance and Sustainability
- Compassion
- Optimistic
- Gender Justice
- Team Work
![](https://sechild.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/core-values.png)
SECHILD Strategic Intervention Pillars
![](https://sechild.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/strategy.png)