A delegation from renowned philanthropist Manu Chandaria’s foundation led other well-wishers in donating 30 wheelchairs, 100 mattresses, 50 pillows, and 100 bed sheets, among other vital items, to Bobleo Children’s Home in Mnagei Ward, West Pokot County.
The assorted items were presented to the institution in a colourful session also attended by representatives from Standard Media Group, Eka Hotel, West Pokot County Government, Rose and Roses Event Solution Limited, Eleonora Enterprise Limited and various other organisations.
The donations are aimed at improving the lives of the children.
Rev. Br Charles Musumba, speaking on behalf of the Bobleo Children’s Home Board of Management, said the donations through partnership underscore a collective commitment to supporting vulnerable children and enhancing community welfare in the region.
He paid tribute to the late Staples, the founder of St. Patrick’s Catholic Missionaries, whose vision and compassion established Bobleo Children’s Home.
Rev. Musumba said the school was founded to cater for the needs of the physically challenged and vulnerable children, providing shelter, education, medical attention, dignity and love.
“Here, they live, learn and grow together in unity and mutual support,” Br. Musumba said.He said over the years, the institution has grown into a beacon of hope, offering inclusive education to children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Currently, he said the institution cares for 261 children, including 50 with disabilities, on an 8.5-acre land.
He disclosed aims to expand practical skills programmes to promote self-reliance and a brighter future for learners.
Rev. Br. Musumba expressed gratitude for the donations received, viewing them as a sign of love and compassion, referencing in the book of Mathew 25:40 to emphasize the importance of caring for the least in the community.
He commended the dedicated teachers and staff for their tireless work and thanked the West Pokot County Government for connecting the school with Manu Chandaria Foundation and other generous partners.
“This partnership should continue so that we can support the school’s mission for posterity,” he urged.
In his remarks, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin cited Bobleo Children’s Home as a special institution managed by the catholic church, saying it hosts students with disabilities in the county, providing them with education, shelter and medical assistance.
He reiterated that the school has students with special needs, and its support by the county government has been ongoing, with previous backing from Chandaria Foundation and the County Government in 2016.
He thanked the Standard Media group for highlighting the school’s needs, which has attracted other partners.
Kachapin also thanked other partners, including Paul’s Bakery for their generous support to the school.
He announced that the county government will donate 100 bags of maize and help hire special staff for the school, provide infrastructural development and ensure the needs of students with disabilities are met.
The Governor emphasized the importance of supporting children with disabilities and urged parents to bring such children in for assistance. “The county supports persons with disabilities through monthly aid and surgeries, and there are ongoing efforts to provide wheelchairs and other aids to them,” he assured.
He underscored the collective efforts needed to support children with disabilities and the role of the community, partners, and the government in ensuring the well-being of children with disabilities.
Samuel Kimeli, representing the Manu Chandaria Foundation, acknowledged Dr. Chandaria’s longstanding support for vulnerable persons and communities across Kenya.
He thanked the West Pokot governor for mobilizing partners to assist Boble Children’s Home.
He highlighted that Dr. Chandaria has previously supported the institution, recognizing its importance in serving vulnerable children in West Pokot.
He said the Manu Chandaria Foundation is willing to extend further donations to the county and other community projects.
Peris Saina from Eka Hotel Limited, on her part, expressed pride in partnering with Manu Chandaria and others, emphasizing that their donation marks their first presence in West Pokot and that they plan to make yearly contributions.
Edna Rotich from Rose and Rose Event Solution Limited highlighted the importance of supporting children with disabilities, viewing them as future leaders, and expressed commitment to ongoing support for the school.
By Anthony Melly and Richard Muhambe
