Cheshire to Transform the lives of People with Mental Disabilities

Story by.Albert Bwana

Cheshire a non governmental organization in Kenya which takes care of children and youths with mental disability aims at improving their physical, social, mental well being of their communities at large.

Speaking during the forum of the people with mental disabilities, David Masika the Chairman of Cheshire Kenya ,said that  the organization is committed to ensure that they all get  education which is needed for it to transform their lives.  

Masika added that the project of people with disability is being implemented in Makueni, Nairobi Kajiado and Kisumu.

 Paul Hunt the Un Rapporteur , described  people with  mental disabilities as one of the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in all countries.

Pual added that also in Kenya persons with disabilities face special problems as a result of their disabilities since most of them has no access to basic education, health, employment and rehabilitation.

The social inclusion for children and youths  with mental  disability *SCYMD, the project  was commenced in 2012 , then coordinated by Liliane fonds and implemented by five  partner organizations namely ,Wandumbi special school,Allamano special school, Maria Magdalena special school, Mairungu special Unit and Kiriko special school.

Majority of the 2.8 million are orphaned and vulnerable because of high rate of divorce and separation of their parents, and HiV AIDS highly affects people with mental disabilities who are prone to rape ,incest and other sexual exploitation.

In july 2015 CDSK got into a partnership with lilian Fonds from Netherlands being its strategic partnerorganization in Kenya.

With a population of 32 million people, persons with disabilities are estimated at 4.8 million 15% in Kenya out of which 60% of 2.9 million are living with mental disabilities.

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Oshwal Academy hosts 5th Special Olympics Sports Edition

 

Story by: Albert Bwana

Children with special needs today participated the Inter Special schools sports Extravaganza 5th edition Olympic sports at Oshwal Academy Nairobi.

Speaking at the sports venue, Nyandarua women representative Wanjiku Muhia lauded Olympians adding that, through it the disabled students get encouraged and motivated in the essence of taking part in the sporting activities.

Wanjiku also reiterated that in the near future they planning to draw more schools with special needs children to come and join them so that they can realize their talent in the sports sector.

“The reception we getting from a number of students participating in the event is stunning and we looking forward more of them to join us” said Wanjiku.

Susan Masila ,the Manager of Special Olympics Sports Kenya commended all the schools that participated for being instrumental in championing  the rights of children with special needs.

She also stated that the commitment and quality of education provided by all schools was commendable and urged more schools to set up proper inclusive education units within their schools as this will help bridge the marginalization gap.

Masila also noted that Oshwal Academy has enrolled 46 special needs students adding that the school has gone further to assist the alumni of this programme to establish an enterprise activity that will benefit them in winning tenders.

On a national level, individuals with disabilities are critical segment of marginalized population .The United Nation estimatated the number to be atleast 10% of the population but noted the possibility of prevalence being as high as 25%.

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