The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has unveiled a Sh. 2.7 million boys’ dormitory at Kibos School for the Blind in Kisumu County.
This is part of the Fund’s initiative to support infrastructural development at the Institution catering for learners with disabilities.
NFDK Board of Trustees Member, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, said the move targets to create a conducive environment for the learners to study.
The School which was established in 1963, she said, was in dire need of a facelift, adding that the dormitory which is self-contained, was the beginning of the long journey to modernize the Institution.
Prof. Ojiambo said through partnership with other organizations, the facility shall be equipped with beds and beddings, adding that the Fund will continue to create linkages to address other challenges facing the Institution.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the School, Prof. Ojiambo said the program rolled out in 2009 has benefited 24 institutions across the country.
The flagship projects undertaken, she said, include dormitories, classrooms and dining halls.
This, she said, has been made possible through big grants form NFDK, with eight new projects set to be launched this month.
“This programme has been made possible through assistance from the National Government and NFDK’s rental income, which enables implementation of 24 flagship projects annually countrywide,” she said.
Prof. Ojiambo who was accompanied by other Board of Trustees members, Senator David Musila and Mrs. Cecilia Mbaka, said the goal of the program was to construct accessible facilities, to enable learners with disabilities realize their right to education.
“Such facilities guarantee increased enrollment, retention and enhanced learning experiences for learners with disabilities,” she said.
The Head Teacher, Kibos School for the Blind, Caroline Templer, lauded NFDK for the initiative, saying it will go a long way in supporting the learners.
The boarding facilities at the school, he added, were dilapidated, calling on well-wishers, to partner with the school to put up a similar dormitory for the girl.
“We have 175 learners at this school. They are forced to go out at night to answer to the call of nature, yet they are visually impaired. That is why we are grateful for this project and we hope to find support to put up another one for our girls,” she said.
By Chris Mahandara
