Education for children with disabilities, Kenya

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