Safaricom commits Sh74 mn to support disabled children

Kijabe, Kenya, October 22 – SAFARICOM through its M-PESA Foundation has committed Sh 74 million to aid disabled children in the country have access to quality education.

The ‘Wezesha Elimu’ project done in conjunction with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Kenya and CURE Kenya hospital seeks to help children with disabilities undergo smooth transitions in learning institutions without the problem of lack of funds.

The project would further ensure that children with disabilities undergo surgeries and rehabilitations.

M-PESA Foundation and CBM Kenya have each invested KES 22.5 million, while CURE Kenya will contribute KES 26.5 million towards the project.

Under the program, 27 medical mobile clinics will be held across the country targeting more than 700 children and 300 surgeries.

An additional five schools will have their infrastructure upgraded to enable children with disabilities to access learning opportunities while over 100 assistive devices will be distributed.

Les Baillie, Executive Director, M-PESA Foundation said the firm wants to create awareness about living with disabilities so that the children with disabilities can access education without discrimination.

“Through the partnership, we aim to increase the enrolment and retention of children with disabilities in learning institutions and reduce the physical barriers which drive away learners from attending classes by revamping infrastructure in select schools,” he said.

Speaking during the launch of the project, CBM Chairperson, Joseph Okelo said the project would help create awareness about disabilities so that stigma is reduced.

“From the previous years, we have seen an increased demand for surgical interventions and rehabilitation services as parents and guardians are empowered with more information”, Okelo said.

Executive director of Cure Kenya, Abed Kilonzi who was also present at the launch added that children with disabilities need proper care and special equipment to be able to live as normal kids their age.