Overcoming disability and rebuilding hope in Kenya
Brian is a five-year-old boy from Kenya with cerebral palsy and autism. For a long time he was unable to walk or sit without support due to his disability and therefore relying entirely on his mother for daily care. Due to the myths and stigma associated with disability in his community, Brian was often hidden away and denied access to basic healthcare. However, his life completely changed when his mother joined a disability programme.
Brian’s mother recalls: “As a parent, I struggled with the daily difficulty of carrying Brian everywhere, which added significant stress to my life.” She was not just her son’s caretaker, but also the sole breadwinner of the family. It was during this difficult time that she, a member of the Help a Child Self-Help Group (SHG), was made aware of a disability programme and encouraged to join the Kiangu Wendo People with Disabilities (PWD) Group. This programme aims to build inclusive communities in which children with (and without) disabilities can flourish.
Kiangu Wendo People with Disabilities (PWD) Group
Through the PWD group, Brian’s mother gained access to valuable training in savings, loans, beadwork, and income-generating activities. With the programme’s support and regular therapy, Brian made remarkable progress, gaining the ability to walk unaided. This brought the family immense joy and has greatly eased Brian’s mother’s caregiving burden. The programme also connected Brian’s mother to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) cash transfer programme, providing her with KES 4,000 monthly (around € 30). This is a vital support in helping her to meet her children’s basic needs and bringing stability to the family.