Kwale NGO launches school games to end stigma among PWD kids

She is among the hundreds of children that have attended the Mental Health Sports Day at Vitsangalaweni Primary School in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale county.

The persons with disability inter-school games competition is one of its kind and first to be held in the region. 

The colourful event attracted more than 180 participants.

The games were organised by the Kidscare Kenya organisation in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

KT, who was accompanied by her mother, will be competing for short races, high and long jumps and she is determined to win.

She dreams of competing in international Paralympic games.

" I love running and I want to go to European countries to compete," she said.

Her talents could have been lost forever if her mental health had been used to assess her abilities.

Six years ago, KT was among the many PWD children whose lives were in limbo as the community hid and locked children with special abilities at home because of stigma.

The children were considered a curse and shame and often alienated from the rest of the community members. They were also mistreated and denied the right to education, good health and shelter.

But today KT and many more children in the region are free thanks to the KidsCare Kenya for championing the rights of PWDs.

KT was initially unable to communicate or reason properly, but her mother reports that her mental health has improved since she started school.

"She can sing, participate in several sports and take care of herself unlike before," her mother said. 

KT can also cook, wash utensils, go shopping, wash clothes and do a variety of other household chores.

Her mother expressed her happiness that her child's life is improving. It took her quite a while to realise that all children are equal regardless of their abilities.

KT is at the moment enrolled at the Vitsangalaweni Special unit school.

Some years back, KidsCare constructed six special unit schools in various parts of Lunga-Lunga subcounty to serve as a beacon of hope and inclusion for children with disabilities.

The schools are currently providing a conducive environment, where children with disabilities receive the required support, education and resources to realise their full potential. 

According to the NGO's director George Baya, the Sports Day is part of the initiative and marks the celebration of their journey, resilience and unwavering spirit towards supporting the children.

"The event demonstrates our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and the holistic development of all children, regardless of their abilities," he said.

Children with disabilities have faced barriers to participation in sports, denying them the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and abilities. 

The Sports Day brought together children from the six special units established by KidsCare, providing them with a platform to participate in various sporting activities tailored to accommodate their diverse abilities.

The six schools are Masimbani, Vitsangalweni, Kiwegu, Lunga-Lunga, Tswaka and Mwangulu.

The event was aimed at celebrating the talents, resilience and determination of children living with disabilities, as well as promoting unity, acceptance and understanding within the Kwale communities.

Baya said that sports have also instilled a sense of hope and inspiration in the hearts of children and communities.

"In most cases, PWDs are not involved in school games, but now they feel recognised and appreciated," he said.

The director urged the national government to invest more in PWDs sports and help nurture talents. 

KidsCare, he said, is committed to breaking down barriers and advocating the rights and well-being of Kenyan children with disabilities.

The organisation's head of children with special abilities Winnie Juma said the children have demonstrated unique talents.

She said with the help of occupational therapy and championing of equal rights in education, they were able to incorporate children with mental health to participate in extracurricular activities.

Juma said they are also working with various health organisations to give the PWDs children equal and the required support to improve mental health and their lives.

She said sports help in psychomotor activities and development of mental health. Sporting activities can also act as a source of motivation as parents can identify hidden talents of their children. 

Lunga-Lunga special unit schools chairperson Mumbi Jasper the school games enhances a sense of belonging and smooth integration. She said most of the special unit schools have recorded an increase in intake.

Vitsangalaweni Primary, which had only six students, has had an increase of 26 and a similar scenario is being reported in the remaining five schools.

"Many of these children were at home, but what they can do is amazing. So as parents we have a responsibility to ensure their needs are well catered for," she said.