“Thank you COP for the privilege to share moments with the disabled in the society. I met Moses a class 4 pupil who begged me to take him for a ride him round a football pitch. He told me that he loves football and wished to play, but could not because he is lame! He therefore enjoys rides around the pitch and watching other kids play! The moment I spent at home was inspiring!” Sangura, COP member

As we mark 10 years of existence, COP set out to start the sun-filled 2014 with a visit to Joy-Town Center, Thika, a home and school to children with various disabilities; hearing impairment, multiple paralysis, quadruple amputee, lack of bowel movement control etc.

Often seen as one of the most difficult outreach activities to take up, as a result of its unique nature, curiosity lit right through the new members.  Upon arrival, the army of young volunteers took up various tasks relating to the maintenance of the center, as we waited for the children to come out and play. This was done after a short briefing by the center’s matron, who is an alumnus of Strathmore University’s affiliate school, Kibondeni College.

Lessons Learned

John Ndolo, staff member, stated “I am marveled by the concern they have for each other. That a young girl on crutches would use all her energy to push her friend on a wheelchair so that she is not late for lunch is humbling…”

True to its name, joy could actually be felt at Joy-Town Center. The children, not shackled by their disabilities, sparked an aura of laughter and many lessons into the area. Divided into various groups, each Strathmore mini-group had a moment of enablement from the young folk. Upon listening to them share their life aspirations, affection for each other, passion for excellence, they exceeded our myopic view of what they could actually do; it was impeccable.

 

Singing songs of praise to the Lord Almighty, the children profoundly affirmed to us, that they are not disabled, but simply, able in another way. Well familiarized with dynamics of geography, current politics, football and music, the children spared none of us from realizing that they indeed are a blessing and worth a chance in society.

 

This powerful statements of laughter, energy and enthusiasm, enabled us to have a refined vision of disability, a thankful cheer to that which we often take for a granted, a sigh of relief to be able and to have a chance to be of service to others, dictate our human nature… it was simply magical, for lack of a better word.

 

“I have not been handicapped by my condition. I am physically challenged and differently able.” – Janet Barnes