Kirinyaga: The Rotary Club of Kirinyaga has renovated a special needs classroom at Kagumo Comprehensive School, marking a significant step toward improving access to quality education for children with disabilities in Kirinyaga County. The project, which was officially unveiled this week, has transformed the classroom into a fully equipped learning facility designed to meet the unique needs of the students.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the handing over, Martin Gacheru, president of the Rotary Club of Kirinyaga, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, aiming to create a supportive learning environment for children with special needs. "We have renovated the classroom, installed the right learning equipment, put up a water tank, and established a cleaning area where the children can wash their hands," he said.
He also invited parents across Kirinyaga County to enroll their children at the school. "We encourage parents to bring their children here to acquire empowerment, alternative learning, and home craft skills. This is an opportunity to provide them with a safe and inclusive space where they can thrive," Gacheru stated.
The initiative was met with widespread appreciation, particularly from the school community. Stephen Kibuga, chairman of the school's Board of Management (BOM), commended the Rotary Club for their efforts, describing the renovations as a durable and invaluable resource for the school. "This is a beautiful piece of work that will benefit not only children with special needs but also other students from Grade 1-3 for many years to come," he said.
Kibuga also addressed the stigma faced by parents of children with disabilities, noting that many feel isolated or rejected by their communities. "I want to encourage parents to bring their children here. This school will be a home for them-a place where they can feel included and cared for," Kibuga assured.
Esther Kibaya, the headteacher of Kagumo Comprehensive School, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club, emphasizing the importance of providing proper education for children with special needs. "When these children are not taken to a special needs school, they grow up feeling isolated and unfit for the community. It's essential that we give them the tools and environment they need to succeed and feel valued," the headteacher explained.
The renovations, which include the addition of specialized learning equipment, a water tank, and a dedicated handwashing station, are expected to significantly improve the learning experience and overall well-being of the students.