October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and in today's episode I have a chat with Tonye-Faloughi-Ekezie, author and founder of Simone's Oasis Foundation.  Tonye shares with us the story of her daughter, Simone, who has Down's Syndrome, and the journey it has taken her and the family on.  Tonye talks about why it was important for her to create an educational and creative platform for black and African children to bring an awareness of Special Needs, representation, inclusivity and empowerment.  Tonye also discusses the many challenges that she has had to face including issues of cultural stigmas within the community, colonised mindset, and rejections.  Despite all this, she reveals how important her faith is to her, why motherhood is the best role she has, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionateadvocate based in Lagos, Nigeria. She and her husband are proud parents totwo children, Ugo and Simone. Her advocacy journey took flight when herdaughter, Simone, was diagnosed late with Down syndrome, resulting in heartcomplications during infancy. Simone’s recovery became a catalyst for Tonye'sunwavering commitment to special needs advocacy.Drawing from her successful career as a TV and film producer, Tonyerecognized a significant lack of representation for black and African children,particularly those with special needs. This realization spurred her to create"Ugo and Sim Sim," the world’s first picture book series featuring a black maincharacter with Down syndrome. She is also the author of Nigeria's pioneeringbaby board book, "Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables."Fueled by her fervour, Tonye founded the Simone’s Oasis Foundation, anorganization that merges creativity with advocacy to reshape societal views onspecial needs and neurodiversity. The foundation uses storytelling and artisticexpression to challenge norms and showcase the potential of every child,regardless of their abilities. Their advocacy spans books, music, music videos,animation, podcasts, and documentaries.Tonye is a founding member of the Association of Children’s Authors andIllustrators of Nigeria and actively contributes to the Creative IndustriesDevelopment Bill committee under the office of the Presidency. Her dedicationhas made her a sought-after panelist, consultant, facilitator, and speaker oncreative arts and education, animation, parenting, early intervention, andspecial needs advocacy.In addition, Tonye co-produced and co-hosted two podcasts: "Special MumsAfrica: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting" and the award-nominated"Represented – Storybooks and More for African Kids," co-hosted with herson, Ugo.Currently, Tonye is developing several new children's books with OuidaPublishing.Her leadership and impact have been recognized globally, with her selectionfor the American Express Leadership Academy, which highlights outstandingnon-profit leaders. This acknowledgment fortifies her dedication to nurturingpurposeful leadership, resilience, and innovation within the non-profit sector.Connect with Simone’s Oasis on all social media platforms, includingYouTube, @simonesoasis.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!

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