A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ondo State has extended a hand of compassion to students with special needs by providing meals for 150 physically challenged learners at the Ondo State School for the Physically Challenged under the Ministry of Education.
The corps member, Mary James, with the state code OD/24C/2936 who is currently serving at the state owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, said the idea was conceived as a personal Community Development Service (CDS).
She said the initiative tagged “Operation Feed One Hundred Physically Challenged Students,” was a project aimed at addressing hunger and promoting inclusivity among children with disabilities.
According to her, the project was inspired by a deep passion for individuals with special needs and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their welfare in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, which advocates for zero hunger.
She said "Operation feed one hundred physically challenged student is a personal Community Development Service (CDS) project aimed at providing meals for 100 physically challenged students at the Ministry of Education's Ondo State School for the Physically Challenged in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
"My inspiration for this project stems from my deep passion and love for people with special needs. I find joy in being around them, and their presence reminds me of the wonders of God and the beauty of His creatures."
James noted that the project was originally designed to provide meals for 100 students but exceeded its target after additional support enabled the provision of food for 150 students.
She revealed that the total cost of the feeding exercise amounted to N188,500, which was raised through contributions from friends, family, local business owners, and community leaders who supported the vision.
"Although my initial plan was to feed 100 physically challenged students, I was able to expand that number and provide meals for 150 students. There was no selection process; instead, I simply identified the location where they were gathered and chose to feed all of them, ensuring that no one was excluded.
"The total cost for this initiative was one hundred eighty-eight thousand five hundred naira (#188,500). To make this project possible, I sought support from friends, family, local business owners, and community leaders," she revealed.
The gesture brought smiles to the faces of the students, who expressed joy and appreciation for being remembered and cared for through the humanitarian act.
Staff members of the school also commended the corps member for the thoughtful initiative, describing it as a reflection of genuine compassion and social responsibility that aligns with the NYSC’s mission of community development.
Observers say the project not only addressed a momentary need but also served as an inspiring reminder that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in promoting inclusivity and humanity in society.
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