Christmas without disability: CNAO offers gifts and hope to families

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Extract from the article: The National Center for Orthopedic Devices (CNAO) organized a celebration called “Christmas without Disability” on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Lomé. The initiative aimed to bring smiles to children with disabilities and remind everyone of...

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The National Center for Orthopedic Equipment and Rehabilitation (CNAO) organized “Christmas without Disability” on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Lomé. The initiative aims to bring smiles to children with disabilities and remind everyone of equal rights as Christmas approaches. It also allowed families to discover the center's services for medical follow-up.

For every child, Christmas is a unique time of dreams and magic. With this in mind, the CNAO shared, as it does every year, a moment of happiness and solidarity with children living with disabilities. In a festive atmosphere, the children received gift to enjoy the Christmas.

This gesture of solidarity has broken the isolation of the families and placed affection at the center of the gathering. This year's theme "Do I, as a disabled child have the same right as another children?"  served as a reminder that physical condition is not a barrier to accessing fundamental rights.

Galokpo Kodjovi Roland, head of the physiotherapy department, affirmed that these children have the same rights to education and health as their peers. He invited parents to enroll their children in regular schools to encourage progress through contact with other students and to love them at all times.

Sama Léon, a young psychology student living with a disability, made a lasting impression with his story, in which his parents understood that their support and love were essential for their child's development. His speech proved that disability does not hinder academic or social success when those around the child are supportive. The young people also showcased their talents through artistic performances. These testimonies encouraged families to stop hiding their children at home and to believe in their potential.

Awareness and commitment to inclusion

The meeting served as a platform to raise awareness about civil rights. The CNAO urged parents to obtain birth certificates to facilitate school integration and access to healthcare.  “These opportunities bring peace of mind and help us discover the center's activities. It is a joy to see our children honored and to know that we are not alone. We leave with the hope of seeing our children become independent adults,” said Kpakpo Francis Adokoe-Akue, president of the Union of Families of Persons with Disabilities.

The day ended with a message of brotherhood. The CNAO transformed the celebration into an act of inclusion by making it clear that medical care and family support guarantee the independence and integration of street children.

Esther KOLANI