Candlelight Foundation set to hold World Autism Awareness day 

The Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs is set to mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) 2025 with a two-day campaign aimed at raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and advocating for early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism.

Themed “Celebrating Differences: Providing Practical Strategies for Autism Support,” the campaign will take place on April 2-3, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, with simultaneous launches in Abuja, Osun State, Makurdi, Edo, and other parts of the country.

The event will feature a grand awareness walk and flash mob on April 2nd, starting from Doddan Barrack to Obalende Bus Stop, Lagos by 9:00 am. Participants, including parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates, will march in autism-awareness-themed outfits, engaging the public through performances and distributing educational materials. Similar awareness walks and activities will be organized by our team members and partners in Abuja, Osun State, Makurdi, Edo, and other regions, ensuring a nationwide impact.

On April 3rd, the campaign will continue with an Autism and Neurodiversity Awareness Workshop at Circle Mall Open Space, bringing together educators, parents, medical professionals, and policymakers for expert panel discussions and strategy sessions on autism support.

"Despite the growing awareness of Autism worldwide, many children in Nigeria still face stigma and limited access to essential resources. According to research carried out by our Social Work department in February 2025, many schools that claim to be inclusive still reject and avoid enrolling children with special needs in their educational centers. This campaign seeks to educate the public, provide support to families, and encourage policies that promote inclusivity," said Ajayi Oluwagbemiga Samuel, Program Coordinator at the Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs.

Mrs. Chinwe Ojinnaka, Country Manager of Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs, added:

"Our center primarily focuses on supporting children with special needs and their parents, with government intervention as a secondary priority. Many parents need more awareness and encouragement to actively support their children rather than resorting to neglect and isolation or even wishing those children dead. It is crucial that parents stop hiding their children indoors and instead seek the help they need. A child's development is significantly influenced by their parents' attitudes and engagement. However, even for parents who are proactive, enrolling their children in truly inclusive schools remains a challenge due to the high cost of such institutions. Government support is essential in bridging this gap and ensuring that children with special needs have access to quality education without financial barriers." 

The WAAD 2025 campaign is expected to attract participants from various sectors, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, and media representatives. The Candlelight Foundation invites individuals and organizations to support the initiative through sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer participation.

For media inquiries, sponsorships, or participation, please contact:

Ajayi Oluwagbemiga Samuel

Program Coordinator, Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs

📞 Phone: 08143851393 | 08078249560

📧 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

🌐 Website: https://candlelightspecialneeds.org/

About Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs

The Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with exceptionalities and their families. Through advocacy, resource support, free therapy services, education, and community-based initiatives, we have made significant strides in fostering inclusion and accessibility.

Impact in 2024:

Provided ₦9 million worth of free therapy services for children with special needs.

Enrolled 84 children in the #WeTSR program for free therapy and caregiving services.

Trained 76 parents to serve as at-home therapists and caregivers.

Served 465 direct beneficiaries through various support programs.

Conducted 16 awareness programs and community outreaches across multiple states.

Partnered with 13 NGOs and corporate organizations to provide medical, educational, and therapy support.

Notable Programs in 2024:

Educational Empowerment Program: Provided school supplies and training for 60 special children and their teachers.

Autism Awareness & Support Campaign: Reached 50 orphaned children, sensitized and distributed 1,000 flyers to the public for increased awareness.

Children’s Fun Fair: Brought together 100 neurotypical and special needs children for social integration.

International Charity Day: Provided food support to 150 families of children with special needs.

Ijegun Awareness & Sensitization Outreach: Impacted 120 families through dialogue and food distributions.

Collective Learning Initiative: Reached 200 individuals in Adamawa State to address stigma and policy gaps.

Caregiver Appreciation Day: Supported 34 caregivers with stress relief and mental health support.

The Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs operates across multiple states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Imo, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Sokoto, Enugu, and the FCT, ensuring that children with special needs receive the care, resources, and advocacy they deserve.