THAT’S IT, WE’RE LEAVING!

On the eve of our trip to Nigeria, we are very excited about the first stages of establishing a MOYA Center in Ilesha, Nigeria.  We hope to assess the needs for the building project during our trip.  The MOYA Foundation has been generously provided use of a building which has been unoccupied and unused for the past six years, so we know that there will be necessary repairs.  In addition, we will determine the needed upgrades to the facility that will prepare it for use by the first students.

We have found many Nigerians in the United States that are enthusiastic to bring help to children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Hearing Impairment in their homeland.  Many teachers and others in Nigeria have also expressed a desire to participate in this project to bring education and therapy to those that do not currently have access to those opportunities.

Although the building project is one of our major focus this trip, we will be teaching a seminar for teachers while we are in Nigeria as well.  It is an amazing chance to begin the process of change for children that, throughout Nigeria, are often not receiving the care and help they need because teachers need the additional knowledge and therapists are unavailable at this time.

We were so moved with compassion when we started receiving messages from the teachers simply saying, “Please help!” The Nigerian teachers that have communicated with us have open and giving hearts for their students.  We are excited for the chance to work with them and make a difference in the lives of their special children!

Our team will also be visiting schools and meeting with interested organizations in Nigeria.  We hope to build lasting friendships that lead to on going partnerships with Nigerian communities. Together we can change the future of many children that would otherwise receive little or no help.  The key to changing perceptions of children with Autism, Down Syndrome and deafness begins with developing friendships and determining needs.

We hope that each of you will follow the progress of our travels and participate in the success of the first MOYA Center in Nigeria!