Supporting Children with Disabilities in Kenya

Empowering the Vulnerable: Supporting Children with Disabilities in Kenya

In Kenya, individuals with disabilities, especially children, face numerous and layered challenges. From physical barriers to societal discrimination, children with disabilities often struggle to access basic services, including education, healthcare, and community support. Organizations like the Malaika Initiative for People with Disabilities are striving to bridge these gaps, providing essential resources and advocacy to empower children and their caregivers. Their upcoming Fun Marathon Awareness Day on December 7, 2024, is a key fundraising and awareness event, aimed at rallying support for some of Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens.

Challenges Facing Children with Disabilities in Kenya

According to a 2019 census report, over 2.2% of Kenya’s population lives with a disability. However, underreporting remains a significant issue due to social stigma, making it difficult to fully gauge the prevalence. For children with disabilities, the challenges start early, with limited access to inclusive education, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a general lack of specialized support.

1. Limited Access to Education: While Kenyan law mandates inclusive education, the implementation remains lacking. Children with disabilities are often unable to attend school because facilities are not designed to accommodate their needs. Accessible transportation is scarce, and the cost of special services or private schools is prohibitively high for most families. As a result, children with disabilities face higher dropout rates, curtailing their future opportunities.
2. Healthcare Access: Children with disabilities often need specialized healthcare, which can be both expensive and difficult to access, especially in rural areas. Conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental or physical disabilities require ongoing medical attention, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy. For many families, the financial burden of regular medical care is insurmountable.
3. Social Exclusion and Stigma: Deep-rooted cultural beliefs in some communities view disabilities as misfortunes or even as a result of “bad luck.” This stigma isolates children with disabilities and their families, limiting their interactions and opportunities to participate fully in society. The emotional toll on caregivers, especially mothers, can be severe, leading to isolation, mental health challenges, and even abandonment.
4. Lack of Financial Support: The high cost of raising a child with a disability places a heavy financial burden on families, often pushing them further into poverty. Many caregivers are unable to work because of the constant support their children require. Financial assistance programs are limited, leaving families to rely heavily on community-based organizations for support.

The Malaika Initiative’s Mission and Impact

The Malaika Initiative for People with Disabilities has stepped in to address some of these challenges by offering a safe, inclusive space for children with disabilities at their daycare center in Nakuru. The center provides not only daycare services but also critical therapeutic interventions, balanced meals, and a supportive environment for both children and their caregivers. Additionally, the Malaika Initiative runs an outreach program that brings these services into the homes of children who cannot visit the center, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Malaika Initiative relies heavily on donations, partnerships, and fundraising events. This year’s Fun Marathon Awareness Day is a crucial opportunity for community members, businesses, and well-wishers to come together and support the ongoing needs of children with disabilities.

Sponsorship Opportunity – Fun Marathon Awareness Day

The Fun Marathon Awareness Day on December 7, 2024, at Menengai High School will feature a community marathon, interactive games, entertainment, and a celebratory awards ceremony. The event aims to raise funds to enhance the daycare center’s services and expand its outreach. Corporate sponsors will have the unique opportunity to not only contribute to a worthy cause but also gain visibility and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

Sponsorship Levels and Benefits:

1. Platinum Sponsor – 100,000 KSH and above
   • Premier logo placement on event materials (banners, T-shirts, social media).
   • Recognition during the awards ceremony.
   • Opportunity to speak during the event.
   • Dedicated promotional posts on social media.
   • Booth setup at the event.
   • Logo placement on Malaika’s accreditation page at www.csr-world.org.
2. Gold Sponsor – 50,000 KSH
   • Logo on event banners, T-shirts, and promotional materials.
   • Acknowledgment during the awards ceremony.
   • Logo display on the stage area.
   • Logo placement on Malaika’s accreditation page.
3. Silver Sponsor – 25,000 KSH
   • Logo on T-shirts and banners.
   • Mention during event speeches and on social media.
   • Logo placement on Malaika’s accreditation page.
4. Bronze Sponsor – 10,000 KSH
   • Logo on T-shirts and banners.
   • Social media acknowledgment.
   • Logo placement on Malaika’s accreditation page.

In-kind donations are also welcome, including essentials such as water, T-shirts, and other event-related items.

Making a Lasting Impact

By supporting the Fun Marathon Awareness Day, sponsors will be directly contributing to a brighter future for children with disabilities in Kenya. They’ll be empowering families, reducing stigma, and helping create an inclusive community where every child has a chance to thrive.

Contact Information: For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to:

• Moureen
• Phone: 0739-947278 / 0722-734516
• Email: malaikainitiative@gmail.com

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can uplift and empower children with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

 

Malaika Initiative is an Accredited Charity with CESRA – click here