History was made in Port Harcourt the Rivers State headquarters when the Omega Power Ministries OPM foundation opened the first privately Funded School for autism and down syndrome in Africa. The only known free school for these handicapped children is the one established by the South African government.
Addressing media men in Port Harcourt, the Welfare Director of the Omega Power Ministries OPM World wide, Dr Mrs Maureen Opara said opening the school has highlighted the positive contributions which the Ministry is making daily in the lives of the people. She said the school will help change the lives of families.
Mrs. Chiamaka Mbekwe an organist with masters degree and herself, an autistic kid who overcame it, and who works with the school said it is the intention of the school to work on the kids and reintegrate them back to the society. She says she is optimistic that the children will pull through considering the environment and the facilities put in place by the Ministry. She urged members of the society to encourage autistic kids and their parents by not ridiculing them or looking down on them. She said people should not look down on the children as if they are cursed rather they should consider that despite their physical look, they have an inner strength that must be developed a position she says, is the ultimate intent of the school. For the parents, Mrs. Mbekwe said they should not look at their situation as a curse. She says rather, the parents should consider themselves blessed. “The parents should see themselves as blessed because they are being given the opportunity of showcasing God’s miracle on earth”.
Also, the Principal of the school Mr. Igo Francis said he is very optimistic that the school will excell. He thanked Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere for his intervention “you can see that this school is well equipped and it is the first of it’s kind in Africa. I have not seen any man doing such a thing in my life” he said.
Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries OPM says he is driven by the need to change the lives of the underprivileged hence his decision to embark on such venture. He said the school has employed highly qualified specialised personnel that will help ensure the the vision of the school is realised.
Currently, the foundation runs 15 free schools and two Specialist Hospitals among other projects. With this first of it’s kind school for autistic and down syndrome kids, OPM foundation has joined the league of free schools in the world run by charities.
