NFDK commissions multimillion projects to Kwale special unit school
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya has commissioned two multi-million projects in Kwale special unit schools to improve learning for persons living with disabilities.
NFDK commissioned a multipurpose dining hall and renovated an old school dormitory for Lukore Integrated School as well as launching a water bore hole at the Kwale School for the Deaf in Matuga sub-county.
The water borehole project comprises 10, 000-litre water tank, taps and a water collection centre to serve more than 120 beneficiaries.
In Lukore Special Unit school NFDK also donated sleeping nets, blankets, mattresses, beds, tables, chairs and utensils relieving them from their long suffering.
Previously, the students used to sleep on the floor and had to brave the cold weather during the night due to a lack of bedding.
The dormitory also had no windows, but open spaces covered by rags and old boxes.
The new development is an achievement for the school whose number of students has steadily been growing.
The school has a population of 787 from nursery to Junior Secondary and 40 students with special needs.
Moreover, the front side of the dormitory was used as a Kitchen, putting the students’ health at risk because of smoke.
The project will benefit at least 114 directly and more than 300 students indirectly.
NFDK chairperson programmes Committee Prof. Julian Ojiambo said the project is part of the efforts to support learning institutions for PWDs through grants to meet learning needs, infrastructural development and income generation.
She said it is one among the many programmes in line with NFDK’s strategic plan for 2022-2027.
“NFDK is an endowment Fund mandated to enhance the social economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya and we support individuals with disabilities with assistive devices and tools of trade towards their inclusion and economic empowerment and learning institutions,” she said.
Last week NFDK also handed over two projects to Sosiani Autistic Primary School and Chepkoiya Primary School in Uasin Gishu County where they launched classroom blocks bringing to a total of 199 projects so far funded by the fund across the country.
Ojiambo said the projects will create a conducive learning environment for children with disabilities and give equal opportunity for access to education.
She said the projects are fully fledged to enable learners and the school management to operate smoothly and improve learning for PWDs.
Ojiambo said the Lukore School was in a pathetic condition and is happy that the NFDK funds have played a great role in changing lives and education for children with special needs.
“The situation was very dire and that’s why we intervened after conducting a thorough assessment. We are proud that children are now safe,” she said.
Ojiambo called on other stakeholders to join forces in elevating the status of special needs learning facilities.
She said many PWDs schools need assistance and the NFDK alone can’t do it without the support of other agencies from both private and government sectors.
Ojiambo urged parents to take their PWDs to school and not to hide them.
She said the parents and special schools should reach out to NFDK and apply for grants and opportunities meant for PWDs by the national government.
The professor advised PWDs to take advantage of various funds and opportunities to change lives.
NFDK Board member David Musila told the schools to take care of the projects.
He said the projects will enable staff and students to learn and work with ease.
Lukore Integrated School head teacher Nicholus Pole hailed NFDK for the support.
He said the situation was very critical and students were suffering.
Pole said they received infrastructure and financial help through small grants that assisted the institution in purchasing the required equipment.
He said in the first round they got sh700, 000 as grants and later the new dining hall and kitchen facility worth more than sh2.6 million.
“Things were very tough but we are glad for this support,” he said.
Pole, however, called on stakeholders to construct a perimeter wall for the school.
He said the institution has no fence, making students vulnerable, especially girls.
Kwale School for the Deaf Principal Irene Kimathi hailed the project adding that it will address issues of water shortage in the school.
She said Kwale is normally affected by the water crisis because of perennial drought.
