Foundation establishes academy for children with autism in Kwara

The Rose Hope Foundation has established a 50-person capacity boarding school in Ilorin, for autistic children, five to 17 years old.

The name of the facility is
Cadeau Spectrum Academy.

Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Rose Afolabi, said the initiative was designed to close long-standing gaps in care, education, and empowerment for underserved communities.

Afolabi explained that the academy is a social intervention programme aimed at deepening inclusion for persons with special needs, while urging stronger national investment in vulnerable groups.

According to her, the Foundation, established in April 2024, was built on the vision of restoring dignity and independence to persons with disabilities and the elderly through structured support systems.

“The Rose Hope Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives through care, education and advocacy.

“Our focus is on individuals with special needs and the elderly, who are often underserved and overlooked in society,” she said.

Afolabi explained that the foundation runs key programmes including an autism-focused academy, elderly care services, free vocational training, and community-based research initiatives aimed at influencing better welfare policies.

“The long-term mission is to build an inclusive society where disabilities are not seen as limitations, but as opportunities for growth, dignity and meaningful contribution,” she said.

The executive director announced the rollout of a free vocational training scheme targeting persons with disabilities and other interested participants, with skills such as tailoring, hairdressing and barbing.

“We are pleased to announce our free vocational training programme. It is open to all individuals, including persons with disabilities, and is designed to equip participants with practical and creative life skills for independence and self-reliance,” she said.

On autism intervention, she highlighted the role of Cadeau Spectrum Academy, describing it as a structured learning and therapy centre designed for children on the autism spectrum.

“The word ‘Cadeau’ means gift, and it reflects our belief that children with autism are not burdens to be hidden but treasures to be nurtured,” she said.

Afolabi added that the academy offers personalised education, speech and language therapy, occupational and sensory integration support, behavioural therapy, as well as creative learning through arts and technology.

She added that the facility was designed to provide a calm, supportive environment including boarding services.

Speaking on elderly care, Afolabi stressed that ageing should be treated with dignity and compassion rather than neglect.

“We believe that growing old should never mean being forgotten. Elderly care is not just about medical support, it is about restoring dignity, independence and emotional well-being,” she said.

In her good will message Dr Abiola Adimula, a lecturer at the University of Ilorin said the facility is designed specially to care for people with autism.

Adimula added that the children would be treated in special way to enhance their learning and skills.

She called on government and philanthropists to come together and partner with the foundation in the care of people with autism.