Education for children with disabilities, Kenya

This report highlights the experiences of young people with learning disabilities in Kenya who have recently taken the life-changing step from school into adult life within their communities. Their journeys have been made possible through the guidance of dedicated special-needs teachers who received specialist training in school-to-community transition from Advantage Africa, in partnership with the Kenya Institute of Special Education.

During a recent trip to Kenya, Rob Aley, Programme Manager, and our Kenyan Trustee Alice Gathoni, visited the homes of several recent graduates of special schools to assess the impact of this teacher training and the subsequent school-leaver transition programme. The stories of Faith and Amina are featured below and represent powerful examples of independence, dignity and economic improvement.

Faith's Journey from School to Self-Reliance

Faith, aged 22, lives with her parents in a rural area of central Kenya. While at school, her teacher Monicah recognised that Faith had reached the limits of what the school could offer and that she needed support to move on to a purposeful adult life. Monicah noted Faith’s enthusiasm for caring for the school’s rabbits and chickens, and used this interest as the starting point for conversations with Faith’s family about her future.

With her parents’ support, and a small start-up grant from Advantage Africa, Faith started her transition from school and began rearing chickens and a goat at home. Within less than a year, the livestock multiplied and the whole family became involved as they recognised the enterprise’s potential. So transformative was the initiative that Faith’s father decided to give up his bar business to focus fully on livestock farming. He greatly expanded the animal shelter that was originally built using Faith’s grant, and at the time of our visit the herd had multiplied to over 80 animals!

Faith’s mother shared her pride and relief: ‘It was just the idea and the small start that we needed. Now we can expand. The market for eggs, lamb and goat meat is good, especially at Easter and Christmas. In fact, Faith is now the main supplier of chicks and eggs around here!’

Faith’s enterprise is not only generating income, it has changed how her family and community view her abilities. She has gained confidence, purpose and independence, challenging the assumption that people with disabilities cannot contribute economically or socially.

When asked to reflect on the transition process overall, Faith’s mother said:

‘I give it 100%. Faith is always busy, and this project has brought happiness to our whole family.’

Amina’s New Chapter

Amina lives on the coast of Kenya near Malindi. At the age of 29, she was still attending school. Until her teacher, Janet, received training in transition planning, no one had a clear idea of how Amina could move forward into adult life.

Amina had mastered self-care and daily living skills, yet a clear plan for her life after school was absent. While she was still enrolled, her teacher Janet conducted several home visits to explore potential pathways toward a meaningful occupation. Amina’s family, who had been uncertain about her future, welcomed the guidance and supported the process.

The family were already rearing cows, and Amina showed a strong interest in this work. Together, it was agreed that she should be supported by a small grant to have her own cow. She also received further practical training in making brushes and roofing materials from local coconut palms, building her skills to be productive and generate income.

Although Amina is non-verbal, her mother shared this reflection; ‘She knows she is too old for school. Now that she is out of school, she has improved in her thinking. She has become more responsible and more content — she is doing well.’

Building Futures with your support

Faith and Amina are just two of more than 100 school-leavers who have successfully transitioned into adulthood through this programme. We believe their stories show how Advantage Africa’s teacher training, combined with modest financial support, can unlock lifelong change.

Thank you for supporting Advantage Africa to continue to enable young people with learning disabilities to move beyond school and into productive, fulfilling adult lives, benefiting not only the individuals, but entire families and communities.

In this update we tell the story of Marci*, a young girl at Mitaboni Special School whose life changed completely in recent months. We also report on the essential replacement of the school kitchen stove at Thinu Special School.

Marci’s Journey to Independence

At Mitaboni Special School, 8-year-old Marci was attending school under extremely challenging circumstances. Unable to walk and without a wheelchair, she had to be carried everywhere, from her classroom to the dining hall, bathroom, toilets and the dormitory where she sleeps. The teachers and caregivers did their best, but it was clear she needed proper mobility support to thrive.

Like many families of children with disabilities, Marci’s parents didn’t know where to seek help, and even if they had found private services, the cost would have been beyond their reach.

After learning about Marci’s situation, Advantage Africa assisted her by connecting her mother with one of our projects in eastern Kenya that provides wheelchair services, the Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation. Teacher Ben helped arrange Marci’s journey to Kibwezi, where she was soon professionally assessed and fitted with a wheelchair suited to her size and needs, and provided completely free of charge.

Marci’s mother shared her joy; “Thank you so much to Teacher Ben and those at the wheelchair project, it has helped Marci so much, and even myself. I can now take her out and about; she is fully part of the family now!”

With her new wheelchair, Marci returned to school with a renewed sense of independence. No longer reliant on others to carry her, she was able to move from the special school into the mainstream school, where she now learns alongside her peers. This not only allows her to reach her full academic potential but also ensures she is fully included socially, making friends and participating in play just like any other child her age.

Marci’s story is a powerful reminder that true inclusion begins with access, and that your support enables children like her to learn, grow, and fully participate in the life of their communities.

New Stove for Thinu

During a visit to Thinu Special School earlier this year, Rob Aley our Programme Manager for Kenya was shown the school’s kitchen stove which had deteriorated badly. The wood-burning stove was inefficient, the chimney was damaged and smoke leaked into the kitchen. This made it very difficult for Sarah, the cook, to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for nearly 50 learners each day.

We are pleased to report that funds were sent in August 2025 and a brand-new, fuel-efficient stove was soon sourced and professionally installed. The difference has been immediate, meals are cooked faster, the kitchen is cleaner and smoke-free, and Sarah can work safely and comfortably again. This small but vital improvement ensures that learners receive their nutritious meals every day, and which they enjoy so much.

Thank You

Thank you all for your support and commitment which is instrumental in making these positive changes possible, directly improving the daily lives and opportunities of children with learning disabilities who are otherwise overlooked and marginalised.

*name changed for safeguarding