How to Support Special Needs Children & Create Change

Every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of ability. Here’s how your support makes it possible. 

The Reality Facing Children with Special Needs

Across Nigeria and beyond, thousands of children are living with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, speech and language delays, hearing and visual impairments. These conditions do not define a child’s potential.

However, without early intervention, consistent therapy, proper nutrition, and community support, that potential often goes unreached.

The gap between the support these children need and what their families can access is wide. Specialist therapy is costly. Trained professionals are scarce. Many families struggle under heavy medical expenses. And in too many homes, even adequate food becomes uncertain.

That is precisely the problem we exist to solve.

What We Do

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs through access to therapy, education, advocacy, nutrition support, and community.

Our services include:

• Speech and language therapy for communication challenges
• Occupational therapy to build daily living skills
• Behavioral support for children on the autism spectrum and those with developmental delays
• Parent and caregiver training to continue support at home
• Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma
• Nutrition and feeding support through our Candlelight Nourish Care Initiative

We believe no child should be denied care because their family cannot afford it.

The Numbers Tell a Painful Story

• 35 million Nigerians are estimated to be living with disabilities (2024 State of Disability Inclusion Report).
• 70% of children with disabilities in Nigeria are out of school entirely.
• Over 85% of schools are not accessible to students with disabilities.
• Nigeria scores just 32.8% on the national disability inclusion index.
• Globally, 1 in 10 children has a disability (UNICEF).
• Nigeria allocates only 15.7% of its federal budget to education, health, and social protection combined.

These numbers represent real children; children who can learn, grow, and thrive when given the right support.

Introducing the Candlelight Nourish Care Initiative

A child with special needs in Nigeria should not be fighting hunger.

Therapy is hard enough.
Medical bills are heavy enough.
Food should not be the struggle.

Poor nutrition directly affects therapy outcomes, immunity, growth, and cognitive development. Many children with special needs face feeding difficulties, specialized diet requirements, and increased health risks. Yet countless families cannot afford consistent, nutritious meals.

The Candlelight Nourish Care Initiative bridges that gap by integrating:

• Food support for vulnerable families
• Nutrition supplementation where needed
• Individualized meal planning
• Feeding therapy support
• Growth and nutrition monitoring
• Caregiver nutrition education

Proper nourishment improves therapy effectiveness, strengthens immunity, supports developmental progress, and builds caregiver confidence. When families are equipped with both food and knowledge, the children thrive.

We Are Now Accepting Sponsorship

₦25,000 feeds a family.
₦50,000 strengthens a household.
₦100,000 sponsors a high-need home.

Your sponsorship directly supports families caring for children with special needs who are battling both developmental challenges and financial hardship.

Sponsor Today:

Zenith Bank
Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs
Account Number: 1229299501

For confirmation or partnership inquiries: info@candlelightspecialneeds.org

Why Your Donation Matters

When you donate, here’s what you are funding:

• Therapy sessions that families cannot afford
• Training for caregivers and professionals
• Assistive technology and specialized equipment
• Outreach programs connecting vulnerable children to care
• Nutrition and feeding support for struggling households

Every contribution creates ripple effects that extend far beyond a single child.

Partner and Collaborate With Us

Meaningful change happens through partnership.

We welcome:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships
• Healthcare and therapy providers offering pro bono or subsidized services
• Media and content creators amplifying our mission
• Development partners seeking measurable social impact

If you would like to collaborate, we would love to hear from you.

The Power of Early Intervention

Research consistently shows that early intervention produces the best long-term outcomes for children with developmental challenges. With timely therapy and consistent support, children can develop communication skills, gain independence, participate in school, and lead fulfilling lives.

But early intervention only works when it is accessible and access depends on support.

Take Action Today

The children we serve cannot wait.

1. Make a donation today to fund therapy and nourishment
2. Sponsor a family through the Nourish Care Initiative
3. Join us as a partner to create systemic change
4. Spread the word by sharing this message and expanding our reach

Together, we can build a Nigeria where no child with special needs is left behind; not in therapy, not in school, and not at the table.

For questions or collaboration inquiries, contact: info@candlelightspecialneeds.org