Last November, the Kenya branch of the Miral Welfare Foundation held a performance-sharing event to mark the 10th anniversary of its activities. It was an occasion where government authorities and stakeholders recognized the achievements of promoting social integration between children with disabilities and those without. Following that day, the Kisumu County government became highly interested in the work of the Kenya branch, and the branch has since been more actively involved in disability advocacy activities within Kisumu as an official partner organization of the county government. 

People marching in the streets for World Autism Awareness Day.

Integrating Children with Autism into the Community!

On April 2, 2024, the Kenya branch, in collaboration with the Kisumu County Health Department, held awareness activities in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Local medical students in Kenya, children with autism, their caregivers, and *partner organizations gathered to march through the streets. Following the march, there were performances and speeches aimed at addressing biases against children with autism. Notably, children with autism actively took part in a cake-cutting ceremony, while their caregivers called on the community to enhance awareness. This created a significant opportunity for both children and caregivers to be involved directly in the community. The Kenya branch delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of community and county efforts to protect the rights of children with autism in rehabilitation programs and those attending special education classes. The event was so impactful that it was featured in local news coverage.

* Partner organizations  This includes support groups for caregivers of children with autism, the Social Service Department and Children’s Department of Kisumu County, the National Council for People With Disability (NCPWD), the Education Assessment & Resource Center (EARC Kisumu), and County Government adviser on disability issues, among a total of 11 organizers.

Supporting disability diagnoses on World Parkinson’s Day.

Parkinson's Disease: A Disability That Anyone Can Face

On April 11, the Kenya branch once again participated as an official partner of Kisumu County for World Parkinson's Day. The disability awareness event included diagnostics for individuals showing symptoms of Parkinson's disease, disability registration, and counseling. Particularly, individuals living with Parkinson's shared their experiences, highlighting that Parkinson's is a disability that anyone can face. They discussed the challenges of disease progression and the high costs of medication, calling for support from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). They emphasized the importance of raising awareness and providing support for Parkinson’s, as anyone can be impacted. Additionally, the Kenya branch shared their experiences in registering 577 individuals with disabilities over the past three years, advocating for the protection of their rights. Local staff also conducted interviews with regional media to promote the ongoing initiatives of the Miral Welfare Foundation.

Kate KIM, Project Manager of the Miral Welfare Foundation Kenya branch, giving an interview for World Parkinson’s Day.

Providing Educational Opportunities for Children with Disabilities

On April 22, the Kenya branch, in partnership with the Kisumu County Department of Education, held its final disability advocacy event of the month: a scholarship awarding ceremony for vulnerable youth preparing to enter high school. This scholarship was particularly special because it included 35 children with disabilities among the recipients. During the event, the Kenya branch shared the stories of 107 children with disabilities who enrolled in school through Miral Welfare Foundation programs over the past three years. They highlighted the harsh realities many face, including high tuition fees, limited accessibility, and the challenges of special education in various regions, which prevent even primary school attendance.

The branch also proposed long-term strategies to ensure more children with disabilities complete their high school education. These strategies include providing scholarship support from the primary school level, placing special education teachers, and increasing government focus and support for special and inclusive education. This initiative instilled hope that children with disabilities supported by the Kenya branch can achieve higher education.

School personnel and students participating in the scholarship awarding ceremony.

Transforming discrimination and the challenging realities faced by people with disabilities cannot be achieved overnight through three awareness activities. However, the 863 individuals who participated in the disability advocacy events throughout April likely left with an improved understanding of disability issues. The Miral Welfare Foundation’s Kenya branch is committed to striving for a better world alongside people with disabilities. We invite you to support the Kenya branch’s efforts to build a society where individuals with and without disabilities can live together harmoniously!

Group photo of the Kenya branch staff with Kisumu County officials and stakeholders.