A Murang’a church has come up with an elaborate programme to assist children with autism and those living with disabilities.
Kaburugu Catholic church in Kandara, Murang’a has enrolled several children in the programme to support their education and basic needs.
The church has also brought in parents of the children considering bringing up children with disabilities and those with autism is an uphill task for many families.
The Father in charge of the church Gideon Ombwori said the programme has for several years helped the young ones’ access basic education, and therapy among other needs to support their wellbeing.
Ombwori said the programme supported by Orionine Congregation has also helped to put up and equip a building to train and handle children living with autism, physical disabilities, and mental challenges.
“In view, families of children suffering from autism among other forms of disabilities struggle and suffer a lot with bringing up the children, the church came up with the programme to assist in taking care of the affected children.
“Apart from hosting the children, the programme also helps parents of the children get food among other necessities,” added Fr. Ombwori.
He noted the monthly cost of transporting the children to school and back, amounts to Sh182,000 per month.
“The church has established a therapy room where the children are attended and many have regained mobility and integrated,” said Ombwori.
The priest highlighted that the current high cost of living situation has pushed parents with children with disabilities to bear a heavy burden saying upkeep of such children is expensive.
“These children need special materials for their upkeep. Some need diapers, wheelchairs among other facilities but not all parents are in a position to cater for the needed materials,” observed Ombwori.
He called on the government to consider lowering the prices of some facilities and materials needed to support the well-being of children with disabilities, saying the high cost has been a big burden to poor families.
The same church also a programme aimed at training girls to acquire saloon skills and introduce boys to horticulture.
“With support from the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a (CDM) we have started a journey and seek support from various organizations and individuals for the benefit of the young ones,” remarked Fr. Ombwori.
Parents with children with disabilities registered at the facility praised the church saying they used to suffer as they remained with the children at home.
One of the parents, Peris Wambui noted a child with disability needs maximum care and cannot be left alone at home.
She said the facility has helped the children especially in doing therapy and supporting their education adding as parents they also support the programme by doing cleaning and cooking for children at the facility.
“Ridicule to families with children with special needs had been the norm in the village, but civic education by the church leadership has helped the public understand,” noted Wambui
Peter Kamau, a resident in Ng’araria market said the persons with special needs has been on the rise in the villages, appreciating the church for supporting the vulnerable those affected.
Kamau, a member of the church, said the clergy among other church leaders have assisted the community to understand the problems the children and their families face daily.
“We laud the church for the initiative, since in the past families with children with disabilities were forced to hide them in fear of public ridicule, but now the situation has changed,” said Kamau.
By Bernard Munyao
