- Stakeholders have completed the Inclusive Features Certificate Programme at OCTC Kenya, gaining skills to support children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
- Trainers have emphasised early intervention, caregiver empowerment and advocacy for children’s rights as key programme outcomes.
- The county government of Kajiado and partner organisations have expressed commitment to promoting inclusion and supporting children with disabilities through initiatives such as bursaries.
Stakeholders working with children have been equipped with skills on neurodevelopmental disabilities and urged to seek early intervention and support to help children reach their full potential and live as independently as possible.
The call was made during a graduation ceremony for parents who completed the Inclusive Features Certificate Programme at the Orione Community Training Centre (OCTC) Kenya in Kandisi, Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.
The four-month programme brought together about 300 participants drawn from different sectors, including parents, caregivers, teachers, students, community health workers, faith leaders, police officers, children and other stakeholders.
According to Regina Mbugua, a trainer at OCTC, the programme covered key areas including neurodevelopmental disabilities, caregiver empowerment, self-care for caregivers, advocacy and children’s rights, as well as communication and language development.
Mbugua said the training was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to support children with neurodevelopmental conditions while helping to reduce stigma and misinformation in the community.
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Neurodevelopmental disabilities are conditions that originate during childhood and affect brain development and functioning. They can have a lasting impact on learning, communication, behaviour and a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
OCTC Project Manager Richard Magana said the programme focused on sensitising communities about neurodevelopmental disabilities and helping them understand the realities faced by children and their families.
He said increased awareness would enable communities to identify the changes needed to create more supportive and inclusive environments for children living with disabilities.
Parents were challenged to understand their children’s individual needs, build their confidence and promote independence rather than overprotecting them.
They were also encouraged to seek appropriate services from both government and private institutions, speak out against stigma and learn about the rights of children living with disabilities.
Child advocates further urged parents and caregivers to continue learning and building support networks to keep up with new information, services and developments relating to neurodevelopmental disabilities.
One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Sama, described the training as eye-opening, saying it had improved her understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities and how to respond to challenges affecting children living with the conditions.
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Sama said the programme also helped participants understand the misinformation, myths and stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The event was also attended by Ongata Rongai member of the county assembly, Titus Matheka, who stated that the county government supports children living with disabilities through initiatives such as bursaries.
The programme received support from organisations including the Rise Up Together Foundation and other organisations which are involved in initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and social change.
By Obegi Malack
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