St. Kizito School for the Deaf in Bureti Sub-county in Kericho has a new look after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) officially handed over refurbished school infrastructure that was sponsored by the Bank.
The transformation journey began in 2016 when CBK entered into a partnership with the special school to help renovate classrooms, dormitories, water and sewerage facilities and other amenities in addition to giving the learning institution a new look.
Addressing wananchi at the Institution, Wednesday, shortly after inspecting the facilities, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta who the Chief Guest commended the commitment by CBK, adding that cooperation of all relevant stakeholders for learners with disabilities in the country was paramount, to achieve improved learning outcomes for every child living with disability.
“I extend special congratulations to the staff of CBK led by the Governor for commitment to dedicate resources. What we have seen here is a rehabilitation project, an example of how all players can contribute in improving the learning outcomes of children living with disabilities and support each child in experiencing their individual learning journey.” she said.
She said the government was committed in ensuring it promoted the rights and privileges of children living with disabilities, including integration in both national and legal frameworks and policies, to ensure equal access to resources and promote diversity and inclusivity.
The First Lady added that children with disabilities need to be exposed to learning opportunities without discrimination, for them to achieve their dreams and attain self-reliance and become productive members in society.
“We believe that every child must be given a chance to reach their full potential to contribute towards the development of our country. It is vital for us to ensure accessibility as a key feature of inclusivity in our education system. Access without discrimination will not only eliminate stigma, it will also equip our children with the necessary skills they need to help them overcome their adversity,” she added.
Present at the event was the Governor CBK, Dr. Patrick Njoroge, who noted that success for learners living with disabilities is attainable through an environments that maximize and nurture their strengths in both academic and social development.
The schools Head Teacher, Ms. Rosemary Munyendo, applauded CBK for the commendable work they executed in the school, which has a student population of 160 children, between the ages of five and 18 years.
She revealed that the 37-year-old learning institution for deaf children, benefitted from the renovation of its five dormitories, painting of the eleven classrooms, dining hall and kitchen area, construction of the bio-digester and a fresh water borehole, besides a metal gate, construction of a waiting bay, the installation of solar lighting and landscaping of the school compound.
Other invited guests at the function included Permanent Secretary (PS), State Dept for Implementation of Curriculum Reforms, Prof. Fatuma Chege, Kericho Catholic Diocese Bishop Reverend, Alfred Rotich, former Safaricom CEO, Michael Joseph, and Kericho County Commissioner, Karungo Kamau.
St Kizito School for the Deaf is located along Jogoo road in Litein town, Bureti Sub-county, Kericho.
By Sarah Njagi
