Persons living with disability have benefitted from the launch of a Sh3 million multipurpose hall and gym at Orione Community Training Centre in Ongata Rongai.
The multipurpose hall and gym project will facilitate early detection, intervention in physio-therapy and occupational therapy for children under ten years living with disability.
Speaking at the launch of the multipurpose hall and gym, African Industrialist and Chief Executive Officer at Kensmetals Industries Limited Dr. Muljbhai Pindolia encouraged the youth to play an active role in the development of the community.
“At Orione children with mental disability are able to achieve financial independence. The youth should strive to make an impact in the society by taking part in development projects that will improve the lives of the vulnerable members of the society to increase in economic stability and reduction in crime rates,” said Pindolia.
The Project Manager at Orione Community Training Centre Richard Magana emphasized the importance of using leadership to improve the standard of living for members of the community including people living with disability.
“Youth in Kenya and around the world are faced with an increased self and societal pressure to make wealth quickly without consideration of their values. The exclusion and dehumanising treatment of people living with physical and mental disability affects their right to education, health services and employment,” said Magana.
According to Magana, over 100 children with mental disability have benefitted from special education, rehabilitation through physical therapy, speech therapy and vocational training in farming.
The Deputy Academic Registrar at Kenya Institute of Special Education Johana Mweu said the development of systems and frameworks for the welfare of people living with disability is crucial for their integration in society.
“Our institution provides disability assessment to up to ten thousand people per year. We are developing a dynamic data centre for persons living with disability in the country because we currently have inconsistent and inadequate data for persons living with disability,” said Mweu.
By Amy Moyi and Gworo Alice
