A Focus on the work of our Nigerian Sisters on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
As the world celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, we turn our focus to the devoted work of the Compassion Centre for Physically Challenged Children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A ministry of the Religious Sisters of Charity, this centre stands as a sanctuary of care and transformation for children living with disabilities.
Traditional societal beliefs in the Global South often lead to stigma and isolation for children with disabilities, making their lives even more challenging. To address the growing need for support and inclusion, the Compassion Centre was established with the aim of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children with disabilities. In 1992, the Diocese invited the Religious Sisters of Charity to oversee the management of the Centre. Under the leadership of Sr. Pauline Butler, co-founder and medical director, the Centre flourished, transforming the lives of hundreds of children over the course of 30 years. Sr. Pauline’s dedication helped to expand and improve the facility, leading to the construction of four new homes to accommodate the growing needs of the children. After returning to Ireland six years ago, Sr. Pauline’s legacy continues to inspire the Sisters’ ongoing efforts on the ground in Nigeria.
The Centre is now home to some 26 children ranging in age from 5-13 years, many face complex challenges such as cerebral palsy, polio, and congenital conditions like clubfoot. For families unable to afford care or surgeries, the centre is a life-changing refuge, ensuring the children attend primary school, receive rehabilitation treatments, and benefit from fundraising efforts to cover the high costs of surgeries and post-operative care.
When the children complete their primary education and return to their families, the Centre continues to support them by helping with their enrolment in secondary school and securing sponsorships to ensure their education progresses without disruption. Sr. Maureen Anoje, an orthopaedic nurse who became a full-time member of the team in 2019, now serves as the Centre’s director. Sr. Maureen and her team are dedicated to ensuring each child receives the necessary medical care, emotional support, and rehabilitation resources to successfully reintegrate into society.
This year, the Compassion Centre has witnessed significant progress through the generosity of donors and corporate partnerships. Through the support of sponsors five children received life-changing surgeries this year, with costs amounting to 1.5 million Naira, just over €850 per child. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) provided funding for three of these procedures. The Compassion Centre sponsored one child’s surgery, and an anonymous donor generously funded another. One recent success story is Esther, a 10-year-old girl who recently underwent corrective surgery. Esther will spend a week in the hospital before embarking on a three-month rehabilitation journey.
In a significant development, in November this year, Total Energies stepped in to address one of the Centre’s most pressing challenges: power supply. Previously, the Centre faced frequent outages lasting up to two days, forcing reliance on expensive generators. Recognising the importance of Total Energies’ centenary celebrations this year, Sr. Maureen saw an opportunity to reach out to them, sharing the Centre’s urgent needs. Her request at such a timely moment proved to be incredibly impactful. In response to her appeal, Total Energies committed to providing uninterrupted electricity through the installation of solar batteries and additional solar panels effectively resolving a long-standing issue. This initiative marks a transformative step, ensuring a stable and efficient environment for the children and allowing funds previously used for costly generators to be redirected toward their care and rehabilitation. As Sister Maureen explains ‘To have five days uninterrupted light supply has brought great excitement to the children,’ a reminder of how something as simple as reliable electricity can bring a sense of profound joy and relief to those in need.
Since its inception, the Compassion Centre has been guided by a vision of empowering children with disabilities. Its holistic approach combines medical care, education, and skills development, ensuring that children can lead fulfilling lives. The children are taught practical skills to foster independence and self-confidence, while a strong emphasis on education helps integrate them into society.
As we reflect on the achievements of the Compassion Centre, we also acknowledge the challenges it faces. Funding remains a significant hurdle, with rising costs of surgeries and an increasing demand for care. Yet, the unwavering commitment of our Sisters to their mission shines through in every success story. Many children who were once in their care have gone on to study at university. In turn, these former students, now successful in their own right, give back to the Centre by donating money or gifts when they are older, ensuring the continuation of this vital work for generations to come.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reflect on the dedication and compassion of our Sisters in Nigeria. Their commitment, alongside the resilience of the children and the generosity of our partners, continues to transform lives in ways we could never achieve alone.
