Doors of hope programs director Jackline Shibalira addresses the press at her office in Athi River. (Photo/Agnes Bitutu)
The new 2-6-3-3-3 curriculum does not cater for children living with Cerebral Palsy, says Doors of Hope NGO programs director Jackline Shibalira.Addressing the press at her office in Athiriver, Mavoko sub-county of Machakos county, Shibalira said that there should be classes for children living with Cerebral Palsy in all public schools across the country.She noted that the new curriculum should ensure inclusion of all children living with various special needs including Cerebral Palsy.“Why keep training special teachers while there are no schools for them to teach once they graduate? In each of the public schools, there should be classes or centers for children with Cerebral Palsy,” said Shibalira.She said most of the special needs had been demystified by the society,“ some people believe it is witchcraft while others think those with physically challenged children have been punished for their wrongdoings.”“There is a lot of myths, misinformation, misconceptions and stigma on Cerebral Palsy, acceptance is lacking among most of the parents and caregivers,” said Shibalira.She however condemned parents who lock up their disabled children inside houses instead of exposing them for support.“I urge the National, Machakos and Kajiado governments to allocate funds in their budgets so that we support these children,” said Shibalira.She said the NGO had established a Cerebral Palsy Centre to support children from Nairobi, Machakos and Kajiado Counties.Shibalira said the center was meant to offload parents of such children from the burden of staying with them indoors so that they get out and contribute to nation building as they seek improved livelihoods.She said there are 114 children living with CP in Mavoko sub-county.The center offers therapy, education, nutrition, first AID, life skills and medical services to the children.