By Primrose Omoto
As the sun rose over Kombani, a vibrant procession of caregivers, children, and community allies marched from the Kombani Social Hall to Diani CP School in Mgamali, marking World Cerebral Palsy Day with color, conviction, and compassion.
Among them was Lorna Charo, a young girl whose radiant smile conceals a daily battle with seizures, hospital visits, and physical challenges.
Yet her spirit, as her mother says, βhumbles me.β
Cerebral palsy (CP) is often misunderstood.
Sabina Charo, a parent to child with Cerebral Palsy said that stigmatism still exists in rural areas.
βI had my child when I was still young, out of wedlock. Some individuals would say it must be some kind of punishment for shaming my family. Others would say that Lorna’s father had made a deal with dark spiritual powers, while the child was in my womb. I try not to listen to such gossip. I’m happy that even though CP may have affected Lorna’s body, it has not broken her spirit. βshe adds.
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth. It affects muscle coordination, posture and movement. Symptoms vary widelyβfrom tremors and speech difficulties to delayed motor milestones and intellectual challenges.
Though the damage is permanent, the potential for joy, growth and contribution remains limitless.
Behind the visible signs lie deeper struggles: including risks of fractures, medication-assisted sleep and the emotional and financial toll on families.
Sofia Bashir, a caregiver from Diani CP, describes the daily rhythm: soft meals, weekly physical therapy, and constant monitoring.
βWe all need social support to get through dark times,β she says adding that, βInclusivity is about preserving their dignity, showing them love and ensuring they feel acknowledged and seen.β
SambaSports Youth Agenda Community Charitable Trust stood in solidarity with the Diani Cerebral Palsy Caregivers organization and the wider PWD (Persons with Disabilities) community.
Their message was clear: Inclusion not Isolation. βInstead of pity, let’s show them love and give them a chance at life.β said Mohammed Mwachausa, a founder of Samba Sports Youth Agenda.
“As a community, we can help by creating accessible spaces, offerings educational and therapy support. I also encourage youths to consider volunteering or donating to Diani CP and sharing their stories. Inclusion begins with our own awareness and collective action. Every act of kindness matters,” he said.
