The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has commissioned a vocational training workshop at Lamu Special School in Lamu Central Sub-county, giving 121 learners with disabilities a dedicated space to acquire practical skills that could anchor their economic independence in adulthood.
The facility, built at a cost of Sh2.63 million and furnished at an additional Sh300,000, was commissioned by NFDK Board of Trustees member Dr. Mike Kiswili, who said the investment reflected the government’s commitment to leaving no child behind regardless of ability.
“We are committed to facilitating the provision of funds to build facilities such as classrooms and workshops so that we can ensure inclusive education for learners without any hindrance,” Dr Kiswili said at the commissioning ceremony.
Once learners reach the pre-vocational stage of their education, the workshop will offer training in tailoring, electrical work, masonry, carpentry, and welding.
The Trustee explained that learning in special schools follows a distinct progression-beginner, intermediate, and pre-vocational levels that differs from the age-based curriculum of mainstream institutions and that the new facility is designed to serve students at that final, skills-building stage.
NFDK is a government endowment fund mandated to promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities through targeted donations to individuals and institutions across Kenya.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, Dr. Kiswili used the occasion to address a persistent challenge in the region’s tendency of some families to keep children with special needs out of school.
He called on local administration officials, including chiefs and sub-chiefs, to work closely with Nyumba Kumi structures to identify and enroll all children with disabilities.
“The national government is clearly committed to achieving education milestones for all children regardless of their background,” he said.
Lamu Special School Board Chairman Dr. Ahmed Hassan welcomed the new development, commending NFDK for delivering the facility on time and to standard.
He expressed confidence that the school, currently serving 121 pupils, would attract more enrolments now that improved learning infrastructure was in place.
By Amenya Ochieng
