Parents and caregivers of children living with disabilities in Kandara Murang’a have called upon members of the community to end stigma and to support the children living with disabilities so they can reach their potential.
Speaking at Don Orione Community Center during a ceremony to raise funds for a disability friendly school bus, the parents and caregivers highlighted the need for the community to love and support those with disabilities and alleviate some of the burden their families bear.
One of the parents, Teresiah Wanjiku said the specialized education provided at centers such as Don Orione is priceless yet many children still do not have access to such education.
She further noted that it is important for the community to ensure children living with disability are protected and taken care of as they are more vulnerable to sexual and physical abuse.
Ruth Muhia who is also a parent at the school called upon members of the community to reduce stigma towards people with disabilities and support their caregivers.
“Sometimes when you carry your child who is 10 years old on your back you will see people discriminating against you,” Muhia said adding that the community should instead offer support where they can.
The Don Orione Community Center was fundraising a teacher at the school, Beatrice Nyambura, explained that they offer prevocational training to older children in a bid to enhance independence.
“In the prevocational class we teach farming, beadwork and hair and beauty skills among others that can help the children become productive members of the community,” she said.
She underscored the importance of having a special school bus saying it would transform the children’s schooling experience by providing consistent access to classes.
“The school picks the children from their homes and drops them in the evening ensuring reliable and safe transport for the children.” Nyambura said.
The director Father Gedion Ombuori averred that the institution needs between five and six million shillings to purchase a bus that will be disability friendly to aid them in transporting the children from their homes to school and back.
He further called upon all parents with children living with disabilities to take them to such schools so that they can get the education and support they need.
Kandara Member of Parliament Chege Njuguna, on his part, said the government ought to increase the money allocated for people with disabilities and ensure no one is left out by establishing clear programs that can further enhance inclusivity.
“The allocation in the budget that supports people with disabilities should be increased so that more people can benefit,” He said.
Njuguna urged residents to take an active role in helping children with disabilities so that they can thrive both in academics and socially.
By Purity Mugo
