Learners with disabilities in Kitui get wheelchairs, toilets

Children with disabilities in Kitui county have received wheelchairs and toilet donations from UNICEF.  

Hundreds of learners in 97 schools across the county benefitted from the donation, aimed at improving sanitation.

Some 25 schools from Mwingi North, 39 in Mwingi Central, 14 in Kitui East, and 19 in Kitui South benefitted.

More than 50 learners in Kyuso subcounty, Mwingi North got wheelchairs for ease of movement.

The event was conducted by Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu at Kyuso market on Tuesday.

Kasalu said every learner, including the ones with disabilities, have a right to education.

She said parents with such children should ensure they always apply for bursaries.

The legislator said she will sponsor a motion to push the government to donate wheelchairs to these learners, as well as construct toilets for them in schools.

Mwingi North  Special Needs Education curriculum support officer  Justina Pereira said children with disabilities had a challenge in accessing washrooms as the available ones did not favour them.

She said she approached UNICEF and tabled the challenges urging them for their support.

Pereira spoke while launching the toilets at Mwingi Primary School on Monday.

"Most schools had toilets that did not suit learners with disabilities, thus posing a great challenge even in their studies," she said.

The NGO also put up a handwashing point in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Pereira said the girls also benefitted from sanitary towels donation to ensure they are comfortable and do not skip school while experiencing periods.

"We found out that girls in most schools use mattresses, socks and handkerchiefs as pads. This makes it difficult for them especially while in school," she said.

Pereira said the washable sanitary towels can be used for two years.

Mwingi Primary School headteacher Joseph Muthui said before the construction of the toilets, children would use the nearby bush.

He said this led to a high number of absenteeism.

The headteacher said the facility will improve sanitation in the school.

He said the facility will also improve academic performance in the school as the children are now comfortable and can concentrate on their studies.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)

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