SMALL HOMES  PROGRAMME

Headed by: Ms. Wanjiru Mwangi


Integrated Programme for the Handicapped Children – Small Homes

Background Information
The Programme was initiated in 1980 in the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru after identifying the needs of the poor children with disabilities who were neglected and could not access rehabilitation   health care, education and general denied their rights.

 
Broad Objective
To enable children with disabilities to get involved in the reconstruction not only of their lives but also that of the communities by giving them equal opportunities and appreciate them in their uniqueness.

Target Group

·   Poor children with disabilities

·   Families of these children who are trained on better care and management of the children.

·   Communities as agents of change so as to reduce stigma for children with disabilities andtheir families, and provide support for social support and integration.

 Specific Objectives

·      Help children with disabilities attend nearby schools especially those who cannot walk long distances by providing assistive devices and appliances and conducive environment their situation.

·     Facilitate familiarization and socialization of children with disabilities with those without in order to achieve integration and self esteem.

·     To promote parental responsibility towards children with disabilities through Home Based Care (HBC) and Community Based Rehabilitation (CBC).

·     Facilitate accessibility of rehabilitative services e.g. corrective surgery for deformities, physiotherapy occupational therapy medication and education.

·     Awareness creation on the needs rights of people with disabilities

Activities Carried Out

·          Mobile outreach clinics; in remote areas where the children are hidden and cannot access services.

·   Educational support;  for poor handicapped children in special schools and regular schools in order to harness their potential and discover their talents

Support corrective surgeries; mobility appliances for the poorest of the poor.


Baby Faith Wangui an internally displaced was assisted to undergo surgery
for spinabifida at Kijabe in February 2008  

·   Constructions of Small Homes; These are hostel like accommodation built near regular schools so that the children do not cover long distances to school.  This enables them to :-

·         Heal for those who have had surgery

·         Be in school on time for those with clutches or wheel chairs

·         Be safe from sexual abuse as they don’t walk lonely paths on their way to school.

·         Access medication physiotherapy and occupational therapy as the Programme organizes for regular visits from medical personnel.

Currently there are seven small Homes within the Diocese catering for mentally and physically handicapped children.  Their allocation and population is as follows:

Name                         Type of Impairment                       No. of Children

St. Patrick’s – E/Ravine                             Physical                                                8                  Rongai                                                        “                                                        16
St Anthony – Lower Subukia                         “                                                        12                    
Karirikania                                                   “                                                         15
St. John’s – Upper Subukia                       Mental                                                   31
St Anthony – Kiptwangwanyi                        “                                                          12
North Karate – Naivasha                              “                                                           26                        Total                                                                   120

·      Capacity Building – Leaders and parents are trained on cause affects and management of disability in order to increase social support, integration and reduction of stigma for children with disabilities and their families.

·      Awareness Creation: celebration of Annual Day of the Handicapped where the persons with disabilities display their talents and skills.

·      Initiation of Income Generating Activities (IGAs).  For those young people with disabilities who have displayed industry prudence and cannot acquire formal employment, the Programme encourages and supports them initiate Income Generating Activities to make them self-reliant.

Challenges

·     Poor financial base of most of the families with children with disabilities making it difficult for the parents to meet their part of obligations.

·     Limited finances making the Programme not reach all those in need.

·     Cultural Taboos and practices that make families hide and neglect children with disabilities.

Needs

·   Financial support for school fees, corrective surgery.

·   Mobility appliances e.g. wheelchairs, clutches, surgical boots etc.

·   Foods stuffs e.g. maize, beans, rice, sugar, cooking fat etc. for the children in the Small Homes

 


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OUR  MISSION: To Promote Pastoral & Human Development through Evangelization & Community Mobilization