GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse Volunteer Spotlight: Connecting Across Continents with Tola

At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, volunteers bring energy, creativity, and heart to every program—helping children with Down syndrome thrive across continents and cultures. One inspiring volunteer is Tola, whose journey began thousands of miles away in Nigeria. 

Discovering GiGi’s Playhouse 

Tola’s connection with GiGi’s Playhouse began in 2016 during a trip to Minnesota. Two years earlier, she had founded the Morainbow Down Syndrome Foundation in Nigeria, inspired by the birth of her daughter who has Down syndrome. 

While visiting Saint Paul, she discovered GiGi’s Playhouse Twin Cities. The moment her daughter stepped inside—smiling, laughing, and exploring—Tola knew she had found something special. 

“The first time my daughter walked into GiGi’s Playhouse, I knew I had found something special. She didn’t want to leave, and neither did I.” 

What struck Tola most was how closely GiGi’s mission matched her own: to see children with Down syndrome for who they truly are—full of potential, talent, and light. When she learned GiGi’s offered programs online, she felt inspired to join the global community and share her skills while amplifying voices from Nigeria and other underserved regions. 

Volunteering in Action 

Tola first volunteered as a guest art teacher with GiGi’s NYC Gratitude Art Committee, blending creativity with messages of hope and inclusion. She later joined the Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs, helping participants strengthen reading, math, and communication skills. 

Her involvement soon grew to larger projects, from collaborating on the GWEN commercial to connecting her Nigerian foundation with global advocacy events such as the International Day of the Girl Child and the GiGi’s NYC Gala. 

Today, Tola leads LMNOP, an early intervention program at GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse. Her interactive programss—filled with music, storytime, sign language, movement, and sensory play—support early communication and social development for children ages 0 to 8. 

“Every session is an opportunity to help a child find their voice, to see them smile and grow—that is the real impact.” 

Special Moments 

One standout moment was when a parent shared that her son had mastered new words and loved singing songs from LMNOP at home. Hearing that kind of progress—and the pride in the parent’s voice—reminded Tola of the lasting impact of these programs. 

Advocacy Beyond GiGi’s 

When not volunteering, Tola continues her work as Executive Director of the Morainbow Down Syndrome Foundation and Chief Belief Officer at Save Down Syndrome. Her foundation provides therapy, education, vocational training, and family support services in Nigeria. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created a play-based therapy kit with YouTube lessons to help families continue therapy at home and launched the Rainbow Readers Room, a virtual learning program tailored to children’s unique needs. 

Outside of advocacy, Tola enjoys dancing, playing tennis, cooking, meditating, and creating TikTok and YouTube videos with her daughter. 

“Inclusion is not a favor—it is a right. Every child deserves a chance to thrive, no matter where they live.” 

Why She Recommends Volunteering 

To anyone considering volunteering, Tola says: 

“If you want to be inspired, uplifted, and changed for the better, get involved. The bonds you build are meaningful and lasting, and the impact—locally and globally—is real.” 

Tola is deeply grateful to Nancy, GiGi, and their family for their vision and dedication. Speaking with Nancy was a cherished moment, and she looks forward to building stronger collaborations to benefit the Down syndrome community in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Together, across countries and cultures, Tola believes we are rewriting the story of what is possible for individuals with Down syndrome. 

Want to get involved and make a difference like Tola?
Become a volunteer and help create a world where every person with Down syndrome is celebrated. Sign up to volunteer with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse today!