The Rotary Club of Suna-Migori has donated hygiene products worth over Sh50, 000 to special needs learners at Kolwal Integrated Primary School in Uriri constituency, Migori County.
The hygiene products including bathing soap, hand washers and sanitizers were given to the more than 40 special needs children, who are deemed to be more vulnerable to hygiene-related ailments with a view to cushioning them from avoidable disease attacks.
The liquid hand-washing detergents, soap and sanitizers offered to the targeted group will also help them in reducing chances of contracting Covid-19 virus, which is still a threat in the region.
Speaking after the handing over of the items, Kolwal Integrated Primary School head teacher Mary Nyadiang’a appreciated the gesture shown by the club saying the donated items will go a long way in improving the hygiene of the to the young learners, some of who come from very poor backgrounds.
She said that keeping up with the cleanliness of the special needs children is an uphill task and much is spent in buying detergents to ensure they are clean and safe from infections.
“As a school we are happy with the Rotary Club Suna-Migori for their donation. The products will help in reducing germs-related infections like cholera and also help in preventing spread of corona virus among the learners,” she said.
Maurice Ogono, who is the special needs unit teacher in charge at the institution noted that children with special needs are rarely well taken care of and often majority are left hidden at home.
“Special needs children in our communities are not getting the proper care they need. They have been neglected and left in shackles by their parents. I want to thank you for reaching out to our school and giving us these items,” said Ogono.
The school incorporates children with visual, physical and mental challenges, to learn along with pupils without challenges.
However, Ogono decried poor social amenities in the school compound which makes it difficult for the special pupils to easily manage their movement.
He said that the school lacks proper inclined pavements for wheelchair users to access all places.
In addition, use of chalkboards denies the visually impaired pupils the chance to easily learn alongside other with eyesight, affecting their performance, he said.
Mr. Peter Gwengi, a senior member of Rotary Club of Suna-Migori, who led other club members at the function said that Covid 19 still remained a big threat to the Kenyan population and that it was critical for the club to promote efforts that improve hygiene of the local people and especially the school going children.
“We take cognizant of the threats facing our people and especially the young ones in regard to hygiene at home, schools and working places and through availing of handwashing soaps, detergents and sanitizers, we will be able to contain avoidable disease threats among our people, explained Gwengi.
He underscored that children with special needs require special care such that any little assistance that they can be given will greatly improve their lives.
These children with special needs are learning under difficult conditions and this kind of support plus others that will come, will bring positive impact to them, he said
Rotary club of Suna Migori will continue to give schools and students, needy people and those with special cases support so that the beneficiaries feel part of the society,” added Mr. Gwengi.
By Polycarp Ochieng’ and George Agimba
