NGO inagurates N2.7m playground at Modupe Cole Childcare Home

By Kemi Akintokun

The Tamar Homes Foundation (THF), an NGO, has inaugurated an ultramodern Recreation Centre and Playground at Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare Home in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the childcare home was founded by late Mrs Modupe Cole in 1960 to provide care for children with down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and mentally challenged.

Speaking during the inauguration, Ms Olajumoke Rhema, the Chief Executive Officer of THF, said the renovation of the playground which cost 2.7 million naira was aimed at motivating and supporting children living with disabilities.

Rhema said  the playground, which was in a mess before, now had a standard basketball court, slides, swings, merry-go-round, relaxation place and others.

According to her, the foundation,  an arm of Tamar Homes,  deals in real estate and specialises in giving back to society through free medical outreaches, provision of palliatives, and provision of foodstuff to the underprivileged.

Rhema said:” I have a strong passion for helping and motivating the less privileged or children living with disabilities by supporting them in the realisation of their dreams and life ambition.

“I am also using this to celebrate my birthday which falls on June 4 with these special children.

“We started our support with the school in 2022, by refurbishing their generator set, donated fans, bed and beddings.

“I am happy we have been able to present a newly renovated playground, which was formerly in a very bad shape.

“We understand that play is essential to children as it improves their cognitive, social, emotional wellbeing, it helps them to learn and discover their strength”.

Speaking also, Mrs Abosede Oyeniran, the Principal of Modupe Cole Memorial Home, commended THF for renovating the playground to an ultramodern standard.

Oyeniran said the gesture would complement the effort of the Lagos State government to provide care to special children.

” We appreciate the CEO of THF who had been identifying with the school since 2021.

“The newly unveiled playground will not be taken for granted, as it will serve to complement the government’s efforts and be a great help to the students, especially towards their cognitive development,” she said.

(NAN)