A voice for the disabled in Kenya, Africa
the problem:
Heshima means “dignity” in Swahili. Most children with special needs in Kenya live a life that is undignified and full of broken dreams. We at Heshima believe that God has a special purpose filled with dignity for children with special needs in Kenya. Most of the children do not have the opportunity to receive special education or therapy; physical, occupational or speech. There are a few private institution that provide some service but it is very expensive. The public school system offers nothing.
What ends up happening to these children is that they either stay at home, often locked away due to public shame, or they attend public school without any sort of help. Heshima was started with the vision to meet the needs of these “hidden children.” We provide breakfast and lunch, basic educational instruction, depending on the need of the child, as well as occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. The program is free, aside from a monthly donation of $2-$4 dollars by each family. We are located in a small slum in Nairobi called Ngando.
vital stats:
people impacted:
50people involved:
8why it's important:
This past summer I volunteered at Camp Daniel, a camp for the disabled. Being a counselor there, opened up my heart towards these people who are often neglected.
In 2007 I went on a service trip to Kenya, Africa. Going on that trip has changed my whole life and my perspective . After being greatly impacted by my time in Africa, I decided to delay college for a year and serve again in Kenya, which I am currently doing.
When I found out about Hishima it was like a light went on in my head saying this is where you are supposed to be. The home has touched my heart because I have a heart for both the disabled and Africa.
the plan of action:
My plan of action is to continue serving at the home and helping these children in whatever way possible.
If given the grant, we would be able to purchase a better facility, and better tools to use in therapy for these children.
how you can get involved:
Others can help by rasing awareness about these "hidden children," praying for the people, and donating money.
project updates:
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Comments
This project is so beautiful. Thank you for helping the children in my country who are often not represented.
This project is so beautiful. Thank you for helping the children in my country who are often not represented.
I am so inspired by your project. I visited orphanages in the Kibera Slums in Nairobi in 2006, and wished I could do more for the orphans there, both disabled and non-disabled.
My brother has Down Syndrome, and I'm currently working on a project to create recipes for children with special needs- you can print some from http://s884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yourspecialchef/ if they'd be of help to your project.
Best of luck to your and your "children", and mungu akubariki!
I think that your story is very inspring and wonderful. I was interested in how you connect with the students in Africa. Is there anything that people here can do to help your cause. If so, what might that be? I'd be interested in helping if i can.
Stephanie Hauck