By Dennis Lumiti
Kakamega School for the Deaf has hailed the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) after a donation of learning equipment worth Ksh. 300,000.
The school head teacher, David Amutabi, said the equipment would go a long way in helping them attend to the 80 learners.
Amutabi said the institution has been glappling with a myriad of problems due to neglect.
He said stigma and stereotypes associated with disabled children in the county made them face immense challenges as they sought to empower the learners.
The equipment that include modern tables, chairs, bedding, sports, music gear, and desks, were handed to the institution by KPA’s General Manager for Infrastructure Development, Engineer Vincent Sidai.
The head teacher said the 22-year-old school was unique as it was one of its kind in the Kakamega County and entire Western region.
“We have a myriad of challenges because our needs are unique. We were, thus, surprised when KPA offered to come to our aid. We will forever be grateful,” he said.
Amutabi said the equipment would help nurture talent among the 45 boys and 35 girls.
He added that the institution now offers boarding facilities.
He urged parents to enroll their deaf children to the institution and stop keeping them at home.
“There is still stigma associated with deafness and other forms of disabilities in this area. We know that a number of disabled children are still being detained in their homes which is inhuman and illegal. This should change as we now have the capacity to deal with this. We request help from the government,” said Amutabi.
