Empowering Lives: The Success Story of the Cerebral Palsy Unit at Parklands Primary School
In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, at Parklands Primary School, the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Unit stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for 125 children living with cerebral palsy. Sponsored by Young Jains Nairobi and Veerayatan Kenya, this day centre has become a lifeline for children aged 4 to 15, offering education, therapy, and care to those who might otherwise have been hidden away due to societal stigma and economic hardship. This is the story of how the CP Unit has changed lives, empowered families, and fostered inclusion against all odds.
Those below the age of 4 years only attend therapy sessions, others get physiotherapy to help in muscle movement and limbs too, music therapy too is used as form of therapy. This therapy has played a big role in improving their lives with some even being able to move for the first time.
The unit is a day center where children come every morning and are take back home in the evening
Breaking Barriers for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, a developmental disability caused by brain damage before, during, or after birth, affects each child differently, impacting their ability to move and control their muscles. For many of the children at the CP Unit, their families face abject poverty, and a significant number are raised by single mothers abandoned due to cultural myths surrounding disability. Without the CP Unit, these children would likely have been denied access to education and social integration.
In the year 2010, Leaders of Young Jains Nairobi and Veerayatan Kenya on a visit to the parklands primary school came across the children with cerebral palsy who were brought by parents to Parklands primary school which had formed a unit for these special children. Their condition was very touching and on seeing the helplessness, they stepped in to create a nurturing environment where children with cerebral palsy can thrive. The Unit provides a structured educational pathway with four levels Foundation Level 1, Foundation Level 2, Intermediate Level, and Prevocational Level tailored to each child’s needs. Through an inclusive learning program, some students have been integrated into regular classrooms alongside their non-disabled peers, taking the same exams and pursuing formal education. Remarkably, several children have progressed to high school, and two have even advanced to university, a testament to the Unit’s impact.
Holistic Support for Children and Families
The CP Unit is more than a school; it’s a sanctuary of care and opportunity. A dedicated team of 18 professionals, including a project manager, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, an arts teacher, special needs education teachers, and caregivers, they provide daily support to ensure the children’s physical, emotional, and educational needs are met. The Unit also addresses nutritional needs, offering nutritious porridge at tea break and a full meal at lunch often the only reliable food source for many children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when lockdowns prevented children from attending school, Young Jains Nairobi and Veerayatan Kenya ensured no child went hungry. Through a food relief program, each family received a monthly supply of food sufficient for their needs, sustaining them through two challenging years.
A Broader Impact: The Porridge Program
The commitment to improving lives extends beyond the CP Unit to the entire Parklands Primary School, which serves over 1,000 students. Young Jains Nairobi initiated a porridge program that provides nutritious porridge to all pupils and staff, leading to noticeable improvements in students’ health and academic performance. This initiative underscores the organizations’ dedication to uplifting the entire community.
Celebrating Joy and Togetherness
Every December, the CP Unit children are treated to a memorable Christmas party hosted by Young Jains Nairobi and Veerayatan Kenya. Filled with sumptuous meals, goodies, and gifts, this event is a highlight for the children, offering them a chance to celebrate and feel valued in a society that often overlooks them.
A Legacy of Hope and Inclusion
The Cerebral Palsy Unit at Parklands Primary School is a powerful example of what compassion, dedication, and community collaboration can achieve. By providing education, therapy, nutrition, and emotional support, Young Jains Nairobi and Veerayatan Kenya have not only transformed the lives of 125 children with cerebral palsy but also empowered their families to overcome stigma and poverty. The success of students advancing to high school and university, the resilience shown during the pandemic, and the joy of annual celebrations all highlight the profound impact of this initiative.
Through the CP Unit, children who were once hidden are now visible, thriving, and dreaming big. This is a story of hope, inclusion, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance to shine.
Future of the CP Unit
In partnership with Riziki foundation, plans are underway to further improve the lives of the children by renovating their existing classrooms to hold 200 children from the current 125, toilets which are wheel chair friendly, a ramp, a play area where the CP children can play.
Riziki Foundation is looking to finish an existing class room block for the school, then the school will hand over in exchange its classes to the CP unit, which will ensure that the children have their classrooms and will not be taken away from them as previously witnessed.