Sh74 million plan to help disabled children learn better
The M-PESA Foundation in partnership with CBM Kenya and CURE Kenya hospital have partnered to help address factors that limit children with disabilities from access, retention and transition in schools through Wezesha Elimu.
The inclusive education project, which amounts to Kes74 million, will see children with disabilities undergo surgeries, rehabilitation and eventually be placed in learning institutions.
M-PESA Foundation and CBM Kenya have each invested Kes22.5 million, while CURE Kenya will contribute Kes26.5 million towards the project.
The Wezesha Elimu project will see over 27 medical mobile clinics held across the country targeting more than 700 children and undertake roughly 300 surgeries.
Additionally, five schools will have their infrastructure upgraded to enable children with disabilities easier access to learning opportunities while over 100 assistive devices will also be distributed.
“Through the partnership, we aim to increase the enrolment and retention of children with disabilities in learning institutions and reduce the physical barriers which drive away learners from attending classes by revamping infrastructure in select schools. We also want to create awareness about living with disability so that the children with disabilities can access education without discrimination,” said Les Baillie, Executive Director, M-PESA Foundation.
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CBM Kenya Chairman Joseph Okelo noted the institution has from the previous years, seen an increased demand for surgical interventions and rehabilitation services as parents and guardians are now empowered with more information.
“This partnership will help us raise awareness and sensitize Kenyans about the rights of children with disabilities especially when it comes to access to education,” he said.
Since its inception in 2016, Wezesha Elimu has worked with Safaricom Foundation to reach at least 30,000 people countrywide, including children with disabilities and the general public, who have been educated on disability rights awareness and inclusive education.
In 2019, the Safaricom Foundation partnered with CBM Kenya to launch the third phase of the Wezesha Elimu programme, where it committed Kes15 million for the project which targeted over 20,000 people countrywide including children with disabilities and the general public who were also educated on disability rights awareness and inclusive education.
