Special Children Unit

The Kenyan government has gone a long way in establishing a special unit in almost all the public schools. For years, children living with disabilities were denied their right to basic education, some parents even used to lock them
up for fear of discrimination. Others were subjected to slavery by their care givers. Now the children have an opportunity to access education.

In Murang’a County, public schools have not been left behind. An example of one such school is Karung’ang’i Primary schools in Kimorori sub location. The special unit in this school has fifteen students who have different needs. The students have a well trained teacher Mr. Patrick who is able to assist them.

Having the unit is just one step towards meeting the needs of these children. Speaking to their teacher Mr. Patrick on 19^th June, it became clear that the special unit faces several challenges that hinder them from training the children effectively. To begin with, these children require special seats since they cannot be able to use the normal desks available in the school. They also lack special playing materials which aid in their mental development.

These children need to be trained in different skills that will enable them to be self reliant in the future. The school lacks sewing tools such as needles, threads, materials, scissors, and sewing machines among others. They also lack some basic teaching materials such as learning charts and pictorials. The school also desires to have a feeding program for the children due to the food shortage experienced in the area.

The resources needed by the special children are quite costly. Though the parents and teachers have tried to raise funds, the amount is not adequate to meet all these needs. The government in collaboration with others organizations such as Association for People Living with Disability Kenya should try and improve the learning conditions of these children. Karung’ang’i Primary is just one example, the situation is similar in other schools.

The government did a great job establishing this unit but it should also look at the particular needs of these children. It is not only the government that can assist these children but also none governmental organizations, various individuals and corporations. Let’s all come together and assist them in the different ways that we can.

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