Every November, Theresa’s Lighthouse (TLH) hosts its flagship annual initiative—a dedicated effort to advocate for children living with special needs, empower their support systems, and provide resources that unlock a better quality of life.
Our 2025 annual project, Project Illuminate!, set out with a clear mission: bridge the awareness gap for parents and caregivers through expert-led capacity building, while directly supporting the educational and therapeutic needs of special needs students.
"Nigeria is waking up to the awareness of children living with special needs. With projects like Project Illuminate!, we can work together to become beacons of hope for these children and their families."
The Two Pillars of Project Illuminate!
Project Illuminate! combined specialized virtual training with direct, on-the-ground institutional support:
1. Parent & Caregiver Virtual Training (Nov 17–19, 2025)
In partnership with HephCilla Konsults, we sponsored a 10-hour, 3-day intensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training for 23 registered parents and caregivers. Anchored by ABA specialists Ms. Priscilla Ahaiwe and Ms. Yetunde Iletogun, the sessions equipped participants with practical strategies to manage neurodevelopmental conditions at home.
Participants reported immediate value, noting that the skills learned exceeded expectations and directly changed how they support their wards.
2. School Outreach & Scholarship Presentation (Nov 28, 2025)
TLH representatives visited Center Acchieve in Warri to interact with staff, parents, and leadership. Based on needs identified directly by the school, we provided targeted academic and financial support to ensure long-term learning continuity.
Summary of Impact & Resource Allocation
Thanks to the generous contributions of our donors, Project Illuminate! directed vital funding into direct care, education, and capacity building:
| Component | Investment / Details | Impact |
| Caregiver Training | ₦690,000 | 23 parents and caregivers trained in ABA strategies |
| Student Scholarships | ₦360,000 | Full scholarship coverage for 6 selected students |
| Therapy & Learning Aids | ₦371,000 | Essential speech therapy and specialized learning equipment |
| Educational Materials | ₦150,000 | Books and writing materials for Center Acchieve students |
Key Takeaways & Looking Forward
Feedback from attendees highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges across the disability advocacy space in Nigeria—most notably the scarcity of licensed speech therapists in the South-South region and the need for greater institutional support.
As an organization, Project Illuminate! also provided valuable operational lessons on the importance of early fundraising awareness to maximize donor reach and streamline logistics for future projects.
Our Deepest Gratitude
Project Illuminate! was made possible through the dedication of our partners, volunteers, and donor community:
- Training Facilitators: Ms. Priscilla Ahaiwe & Ms. Yetunde Iletogun (HephCilla Konsults)
- Institutional Partner: Center Acchieve, Warri (Head Teacher Mr. Daniel & Staff)
- Key Volunteers & Leadership: TLH Founder Aisiku O.A., Ms. Bomo Tobin-Tubonah, Mr. Evans Uchechi, and Yevus Photography.
- Our Donors: Every individual whose financial support brought this vision to life.