Help 100 physically challenged in S/East Nigeria

In Nigeria’s South East region, persons living with physical disabilities continue to face systemic exclusion — from education, employment, health services, and basic mobility. Poverty, stigma, and poor infrastructure have deepened their vulnerability, turning everyday life into a battle for survival and dignity.

At Sam Onyemaechi Humanitarian Foundation (SOHF), we launched this project to restore hope, support access to assistive devices, and unlock opportunities for independence and empowerment. Our goal: to help 100 physically challenged individuals rise above barriers and reclaim their rightful place in society.

Project Update: Activities Temporarily Paused Due to Funding Gap

This quarter, we faced a critical lack of funding which led to a temporary suspension of field activities. As a result, we were unable to carry out:

Distribution of assistive tools (wheelchairs, crutches, white canes)

Scheduled community-based empowerment workshops

Medical screening and physiotherapy sessions

Transportation support for persons with mobility challenges

"We had a clear plan, a ready team, and a growing list of beneficiaries. But without funds, implementation stalled. The need remains urgent.”

What We Focused On During the Downtime

Despite the pause in outreach, we channeled this period into strategic groundwork and partnership development:

Beneficiary Identification & Data Verification

We finalized community-level screening and verification of 128 physically challenged individuals in rural and peri-urban areas — preparing us for swift rollout once funds are available.

Community Engagement & Sensitization

Through informal meetings with local leaders and disability advocacy groups, we reinforced awareness about inclusion and encouraged collaboration for future events.

Planning for Integration with Isidore CompetitivAI

Our partnership with Isidore CompetitivAI includes plans to digitally train and simulate entrepreneurship and vocational skills for persons with disabilities, especially those with upper-body mobility.

This AI-based system will empower beneficiaries through:

Skills simulation adapted to individual capacity

Remote learning options (especially for the visually or mobility impaired)

Preparation for employment, digital commerce, or small-scale enterprise

Key Challenges

Severe Funding Deficit

No major donor support was received this quarter, making it impossible to execute direct interventions.

Mobility & Transportation Needs

Many of our prospective beneficiaries cannot attend even free events due to transportation challenges — further reinforcing the need for home-based and mobile support systems.

Infrastructure Gaps

Most rural areas still lack ramps, sidewalks, and accessible public facilities — affecting the dignity and confidence of people living with disabilities.

Appreciation to Supporters

Although fieldwork was paused, we are grateful to individual donors and partners who continue to express interest in this project. We also appreciate the visibility and opportunity offered by GlobalGiving to tell the stories of the marginalized and mobilize global support.

The Way Forward: What Your Support Will Do

Once funding is secured, we will immediately begin:

Distribution of assistive devices to 50 of the most vulnerable individuals
Vocational skill training (including digital learning through Isidore)
Empowerment packages (sewing machines, grinders, POS devices, mobility aid)
Counseling and group therapy sessions
Establishment of local disability inclusion clubs

Call for Support: Inclusion is a Right, Not a Privilege

This project is not charity — it is justice. These 100+ physically challenged individuals have the right to live with dignity, access opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society.

We need your help now to:

Fund assistive tools and mobility support

Equip skill training sessions

Sponsor enterprise start-up kits for beneficiaries

Build inclusion systems that outlive short-term aid

Every contribution helps rewrite someone’s story from survival to success.

Conclusion: The Mission Continues

Though we were held back by lack of funds this quarter, we are not giving up. Our strategy is clear, our beneficiaries are waiting, and our hearts remain open. With your support, we will return to the field and stand side-by-side with the people society too often overlooks.

Together, we can build a more inclusive Nigeria — one where disability is not a disadvantage, and everyone has a fair shot at life.

With gratitude and hope,

Sam Onyemaechi Humanitarian Foundation