
Little six-year-old Muhammad and his family just moved back to Nigeria from the Middle East to get help with his genetic disability. The country he was born in would not allow him to go to school because Nigerians aren’t allowed citizenship there. It’s heartbreaking, but Muhammad spent the first six years of his childhood shut away in the family apartment, which has understandably caused severe delays in his physical and mental development. Muhammad’s mother started bringing him to the Shield City in early May. This week, Muhammad met another little boy for the first time and TOTALLY LOST IT! He was beside himself excited to see another little face like his and started squealing with joy! So encouraging to watch.
“When he first arrived, Muhammad was unable to sit for more than 30 seconds. He wandered around aimlessly and didn’t interact with others. There was no awareness of toys or ways to play with toys. We have seen him make some good progress over time as he is learning to sit and play with toys for the first time in his life. He has started making eye contact with his tutors and now walks directly into the classroom when he arrives each week,” said Director Laura Sharpe.
We are so thankful that Shield City tutors can be here to give Muhammad a chance at therapy services and more education…finally free from being shut away in an apartment. Our therapy goals for Muhammad going forward are socializing him with other children and slowly helping him sit in a chair for at least five minutes. We will have another update on his progress next month.

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