By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Heart2Heart Inclusive Education Foundation, has organized an Inclusive Children’s Fun Day 2025, a celebration of unity and opportunity for children with and without disabilities.

The event took place on July 11, 2025, at LEA Primary School in Mahuta, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State.

Salome Luka, the
Executive Director, Heart2Heart Inclusive Education Foundation (H2HIEF), described the day as special because they celebrated all children including those with and without disabilities whi came together in love, play, and learning.

This, Luka said is what inclusion looks like.

“As a woman living with a visual impairment, i speak from experience. My disability affects only one part of my body- my eyes. I still have four other senses that work perfectly. This is true for many people with disabilities. They have countless abilities that simply need the right environment to be nurtured and expressed.

“The problem is not the disability itself, it is the barriers around us. Barriers in infrastructure, attitudes, and access to education and opportunities. These barriers are what limit people with disabilities, not their conditions.

“Let us all take responsibility to remove these barriers. Let us build a society where children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. Where they are not just included, but also celebrated. That is how we can unlock their God-given abilities and create a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world,”she said.

Muktar Zubairu, the
Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on NGOs and Inclusion, asked “What happens when we begin to dissociate ourselves from or discriminate against others- especially those who, through no fault of theirs, have fewer opportunities?”.

Zubairu noted that the fact that someone has a disability does not mean they have done anything wrong or are less human.

“And just because you are physically able does not make you superior or more favored by God. We are all created differently- not by accident, but by divine design. Our differences are meant to remind us that God is in control, and that each of us is equal in his eyes.

“If we can show love to animals and pets, how much more should we show love and compassion to our fellow human beings especially to children with disabilities”.

Zubairu, therefore, said in Kaduna State, inclusion is not just a talking point, but a policy, which was why the state appointed Mr. Shamsuddeen Abdulahi, a person with a disability as the Special Assistant on Disability Matters.

According to him, Abdullahi’s appointment reflects the government’s serious commitment to inclusive governance and representation.

He commended Heart2Heart Inclusive Education Foundation for its integrity, vision, and continued impact in the disability space.

“While some NGOs operate as business ventures or lack transparency, Heart2Heart has shown consistent leadership and genuine commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities. We value this partnership and will continue to support it in meaningful ways,”he said.

Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the event, Mrs Abigail Olatunde, the
Executive Director, Beacon of Transformative and Inclusive Development Center (The BEACON), said the event was more than a celebration, but a reflection of what inclusive development should look like in practice.

“Seeing children with and without disabilities sharing joy, expressing themselves, and being treated equally is exactly the kind of transformation we advocate for at The Beacon,”she said.

Olatunde noted that inclusion is not just a social responsibility, but a human right.

“Every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of ability or background. When we bring all children together in safe and affirming spaces like this, we are planting seeds of empathy, equality, and mutual respect. It is in these moments that children begin to understand that differences are not deficits-they are part of the human experience.

Olatunde also noted that their mission at the BEACON is to promote transformative change by advancing inclusive practices in education, community development, and leadership.

“We work to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent people, especially persons with disabilities from accessing opportunities. That includes advocating for inclusive policies, providing capacity-building programs, and partnering with schools, government agencies, and other organizations to create real, lasting impact.

“We need to move beyond sympathy and into action. First, we must ensure accessibility in schools, in public spaces, and in communication. Then, we must empower families and teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to support inclusive education,”she said.

Olatunde commended the organizers, Heart2Heart Inclusive Education Foundation, for creating the beautiful and meaningful platform.