"The Lindalva Inclusive School", a school that welcomes children excluded from the education system due to their disabilities

In Benin City, in Nigeria's Edo State, the Daughters of Charity live within local communities, braving the high level of insecurity in the region (kidnappings, murders, rituals, internet fraudsters, cults).

Concerned about the fate of people with disabilities, who are heavily stigmatized, they founded the Lindalva Inclusive School in 2019, the only school in the region that offers an inclusive program for children with disabilities, in a safe environment that promotes independent learning and interaction with their peers.

"Most families in Edo State, especially around Benin City and its surroundings, believe that children with disabilities are “punished by the gods” or “crazy,” and that any attempt to support their education is a “waste” of resources. As a result, many of these children are sent to work in the fields, while others beg on the streets of Benin instead of going to school. They are often victims of abuse, sometimes torture or murder. The cruelty they sufferfrom is often the result of false assumptions, such as that their disability is contagious or that they feel nothing." Sr. Martha

At Lindalva Inclusive School, no child is discriminated or excluded from education because of poverty or disability. On the contrary, education is provided without distinction of sex, tribal affiliation, color, or religion, with preference given to children from low-income families.

Since its creation, attitudes toward people with disabilities have changed considerably, helping to break down certain barriers and strengthen the social integration of all children. 

“We carry out awareness-raising activities in other schools, churches, and villages to raise awareness of the need to respect the dignity of children with disabilities and provide them with a quality education.” Sr. Martha

A virtuous fish farming project to provide educational support and improve the nutritional and health status of children and disadvantaged people

The school is located in a very poor region, where public services such as electricity and water are inadequate and roads are in poor condition.

Parents are finding it increasingly difficult to finance their children's education. The high cost of fuel (gas) has pushed up the price of basic commodities. Housing, medical care, and, of course, education are difficult to access. Families are experiencing increased stress due to insecurity and “poor governance.” Some have found themselves homeless and unemployed.

To generate the resources needed for the school to function properly, the sisters decided to expand their existing small fish farm.

“We want to build a new mobile pond to raise newly hatched fry. Together with some of the staff, we have already acquired skills in fish farming. The manure from the fry/fish farm also helps the school garden to grow faster and produce healthy vegetables.” Sr. Martha

This fish farming project will therefore enable the school to:

-  raise funds to supplement the low tuition fees paid by families 

-  provide children with a high-quality daily meal containing protein, minerals, and vitamins

-  train young adults with disabilities in fish farming.

It will also help improve the nutritional and health status of other disadvantaged people in the community and neighboring villages. 

“Poor villagers will be able to buy fresh fish at an affordable price and then sell it at open markets to generate income for their families. The profits they make will help improve their living conditions and social integration through interactions during the buying and selling of fresh fish.” Sr Martha

Thank you for your support

If the project is funded beyond its target, the surplus donations received will be allocated to a similar project.