A growing number of learners living with disabilities are rewriting the narrative around ability and success, turning their talents into income, acquiring assets, and supporting their families.
At Thika School for the Blind, students are demonstrating that disability is not inability, with many excelling in sports and academics while building financial independence at a young age.
According to Kenya Society for the Visually Impaired Secretary General Kendrick Namal, some visually impaired students have already bought land, pay their own school fees, and contribute to their families’ upkeep through income earned from their talents.
Speaking during a sports day event at the institution, Namal noted that with proper support and exposure, persons with disabilities can thrive and compete at both local and international levels.
He revealed that the organisation is working to identify and nurture talent across all counties, ensuring learners are well-prepared to represent Kenya in global competitions.
The school’s principal, Grace Kiarie, echoed these sentiments, noting that students at the institution consistently perform well academically, often competing favourably with learners in mainstream schools.
She said the school currently has 435 students with varying degrees of visual impairment, all of whom possess unique abilities that can be developed into meaningful opportunities.
Kiarie urged parents not to hide children living with disabilities, but instead enrol them in school where they can access both academic and talent-based training that can improve their future livelihoods.
On his part, Samson Waweru, Treasurer of KESAVI, said the organisation has been instrumental in training and exposing learners to international competitions, where they have won medals and financial rewards.
He cited countries such as Kazakhstan, Turkey and Brazil where Kenyan students have competed successfully, bringing pride to the nation. Preparations are already underway for another competition set to take place in Egypt on April 11.
However, Waweru pointed out that many institutions still face major challenges, including lack of specialised equipment such as powerlifting machines, goalball pitches and showdown tables. He called on both government and well-wishers to invest in facilities across all 47 counties.
Students who participated in the event, including Phanice Nduta and Eugene Nasser, expressed gratitude for the support they have received, saying it has helped them discover and grow their talents.
They also challenged societal discrimination, insisting that persons with disabilities are capable of achieving great success when given equal opportunities.
The event, which featured competitions in athletics, discus, javelin and shot put, ended with winners receiving medals and trophies, highlighting the immense potential among learners with disabilities.
