An NGO official has cautioned parents of children living with disabilities against viewing them as baggage.
Doors of Hope NGO project director Jacqueline Shibalira advised parents not to succumb to scorn and stigma while caring for their kids suffering from Cerebral Palsy.
Addressing the press in her office on Thursday, Shibalira said children living with CP are just like the normal ones hence should not be stigmatized or neglected due to their conditions.
Shibalira disclosed that many parents hide their children living with the condition so as to fit in the judgemental society.
“People will talk, scorn and discriminate you but don't yield to their words, Cerebral Palsy is not a permanent disability, their lives can improve," Shibalira said.
She noted that the journey of caring for children with CP can be heart wrecking but parents need to be strong as their kids need them.
Shibalira appealed to the County Government of Machakos to extend a helping hand to children with the condition in a bid to improve their living standards and attain their best abilities.
She said the NGO's centre for kids with CP is overwhelming hence need for the county government to support it so as to provide the best services to the children.
Shibalira said the organization's attempts to reach Governor Mutua and the first lady had hit a snag.
She said the Machakos Level Five Hospital was lying idle since children with disabilities were hidden in homes.
“The number has risen from 13 children to 120 over a period of one month at the centre.What is the need of having the facility idle when children with special needs are not supported,” Shibalira said.