CBR Effata

Below a summary of our history and activities in English:

CBR Effata is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in Nigeria through a Biblical framework.

Since its establishment in 1996, the organization has successfully implemented numerous projects in Izzi, Ebonyi State.

CBR stands for Community-Based Rehabilitation, acknowledging that support for individuals with disabilities is most effective when delivered within and with the assistance of the local community.

CBR Effata employs 95 full-time Nigerian staff members and one part-time Dutch professional.

A recent annual report is available for review here.

1. Eye Unit

In 1996, CBR Effata initiated services for the treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairments.

The organization maintains a specialized eye care team staffed by Nigerian professionals who have received medical training and specialized Eye Care education at the National Eye Hospital in Kano. Patients with conditions that cannot be treated in their villages are referred to the CBR Effata center in Omorodu.

The most frequent surgical interventions address cataracts and glaucoma.

2. Orthopedic Unit

CBR Effata personnel possess medical backgrounds and have completed specialized training in orthopedics and physiotherapy.

The unit primarily addresses congenital club feet, post-polio contractures, and bone infections.

Epilepsy represents a prevalent condition in the region. Frequent seizure-related falls often result in burn wounds and infections among children and adults with epilepsy. These complications can be prevented through appropriate medication.

3. Vocational Training Unit

Since 1997, CBR Effata has provided vocational training aimed at facilitating the integration of young people with disabilities into the workforce.

Youth with disabilities participate in vocational programs including carpentry, welding, tailoring, and other trades. Training occurs within the local community through apprenticeships lasting one to two years, after which participants receive financial assistance to establish their own enterprises.

4. Inclusive Primary School Effata

In 1999, CBR Effata established primary education services for children with hearing impairments, creating an inclusive environment where children with and without hearing disabilities learn together.

To enhance community integration, students reside with local families in the village.

5. Inclusive Primary School Bethel

Inclusive Primary School Bethel was founded in Nwofe in 2010.

A significant number of students have physical disabilities, requiring wheelchairs or mobility aids such as crutches.

6. Inclusive Secondary School Berea

This educational institution was established in 2014 to serve students with and without disabilities.

Currently, the school enrolls 600 students, including 100 with hearing impairments and 29 with physical disabilities.

7. AIDS Ministry

Young people with disabilities face heightened vulnerability to HIV infection. CBR Effata provides specialized resources, including awareness materials in Braille and sign language videos. Monthly support group meetings offer HIV-positive individuals access to advice, prayer, support, and medication. Children orphaned by AIDS receive assistance with educational expenses and nutrition; when necessary, foster families are arranged.

8. Water Project Rehoboth

Access to clean drinking water presents a significant challenge in rural areas during dry seasons. Water scarcity contributes to numerous health conditions. The Rehoboth water project implements sustainable water storage solutions, enabling families to safely collect and store 5,000 liters of water during rainy seasons. Individuals with disabilities receive water tanks at no cost. The majority of the masons employed in this initiative are deaf individuals.