Health
Foundation Establishes 50-bed Boarding School For Children With Autism
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Rose Hope Foundation has established a 50-bed boarding school for children with autism between ages five and 17.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs Rose Afolabi, announced the initiative at a news conference in Ilorin.
She said the initiative was designed to close long-standing gaps in care, education, and empowerment for underserved communities.
Afolabi, calling for stronger national investment in vulnerable groups, described the academy as a social intervention aimed at deepening inclusion for persons with special needs.
According to her, the foundation, established in April 2024, was built on the vision of restoring dignity and independence to persons with disabilities and the elderly through structured support systems.
“The Rose Hope Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives through care, education and advocacy.
“Our focus is on individuals with special needs and the elderly, who are often underserved and overlooked in society,” she said.
Afolabi said the foundation runs the following programmes: an autism-focused academy, elderly care services, free vocational training, and community-based research initiatives, aimed at influencing better welfare policies.
“The long-term mission is to build an inclusive society where disabilities are not seen as limitations, but as opportunities for growth, dignity and meaningful contribution,” she said.
The executive director disclosed the rollout of a free vocational training scheme, targeting persons with disabilities and other interested participants with skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and barbing.
She highlighted the role of Cadeau Spectrum Academy in autism intervention, describing it as a structured learning and therapy centre designed for children on the autism spectrum.
“The word, ‘Cadeau’ means gift, and it reflects our belief that children with autism are not burdens to be hidden but treasures to be nurtured,” she said.
Afolabi said the academy also offers personalised education, speech and language therapy, occupational and sensory integration support, behavioural therapy, and creative learning through arts and technology.
She added that the facility was designed to provide a calm, supportive environment, including boarding services.
Speaking on elderly care, Afolabi stressed that ageing should be treated with dignity and compassion rather than neglect.
“We believe that growing old should never mean being forgotten.
“Elderly care is not just about medical support, it is about restoring dignity, independence and emotional well-being,” she said.
In her goodwill message, a lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Dr Abiola Adimula, affirmed that the facility was designed specially to care for people with autism.
She added that the children would be treated to enhance their learning and skills.
Adimula called on the government and philanthropists to come together and partner with the foundation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Moses Solanke
