A special unit for mentally challenged children has been opened at Ilungu Primary School in Emuhaya in Vihiga County. The unit which consist of three classes with an administration office was funded by the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) at a tune of Ksh 2.5 Million.
Speaking during the official opening of the unit Mr. Peter Nyakiemo the Board Trustee at the organization said the facility will help disabled pupil access early childhood education in the area. He encouraged parents with disabled Children to bring their Children to the institution. “Parents with disabled children shouldn’t feel shy or ashamed and hide them, they should make use of this facility by admitting them here,” he said.
He said they are working with other stakeholders to raise awareness on disability issues in the country. Nyakiemo added that they also carry out advocacy initiatives with relevant legislative authorities and other policy-making bodies with a view of bringing changes in legislation and shaping public perception of disability.
He said there are other institutions that have been funded by the organization and commissioned like, construction of classes at Lwanya Special School, St. Vincent De Paul Special School, Itumbu Special Unit for the mentally handicapped, St. Matin’s Mumias School for the deaf, St. Dennis Libolina School for the physically challenged and Apokor Special School among others.
Mr. Bulimo Omuchei, the Headteacher of the Institution, said they need a boarding section at the School to accommodate children who stay far from the area. “We have disabled pupils who come from outside this area and other Counties and we face challenges accommodating them, but if we can manage to put up a boarding section it will be helpful,” Omuchei said.
