By S, KNA
Iiani-Kivaa Hearing Impaired Primary School in Machakos County has benefitted with a twin dormitory for boys and girls jointly funded by The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) and KenGen at a cost of Sh. 3.6 million.
NFDK funded the construction of the dormitory block at a cost of Sh2.6 million while KenGen furnished it with beds, mattresses and beddings at a cost of Sh1 million.
The Fund has also pledged to support the institution with further Sh600, 000 for the construction of a matron’s house who will be in charge of their security and welfare at night.
Speaking while commissioning the Dormitory on Friday, NFDK Board of Trustees Chair Kristina Kenyatta Pratt said the investment was meant to give the learners a dignified home that will improve their quality of life and learning environment.
In a speech read on her behalf by Trustee Prof Julia Ojiambo, the Chair said it was their duty to ensure essential supports are in place so that learners with special needs have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed.
In addition, Prof Ojiambo said the fund will continue supporting institutions for learners with disabilities with annual grants towards improving their facilities, purchase of learning equipment, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and therapy equipment.
She noted that the fund had so far funded over 300 projects in various special schools and integrated units across the country.
“These projects include accessible and fully equipped dormitories, vocation training workshops, classrooms, dining facilities, computer labs, classrooms among others,” she reported.
She added that the fund also has also been promoting social and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities by supporting them with tools of trade for start-ups as well as assistive devices.
On her part, Machakos Senator, Agnes Kavindu, called on parents of children with disabilities not to hide them so that they can get the support they need from the government including education and healthcare.
“We have a lot of PWD children in the country and they should be registered so that they can benefit from the funds established by the government including NFDK,” she said.
She affirmed that with the necessary support, these children can reach their full potential and realize their dreams.