Official Opening of the Kanjeru Special Needs Unit Block

We are happy to share with you a heartwarming milestone in our journey towards an inclusive future. On August 1, 2023 Every Child Counts CEO, Bindu Balakrishnan inaugurated the Special Needs Block at Kanjeru primary School Kiambu County. This is in indeed a momentous projedctthat will transform the lives of students who are abled differently. The decision to construct the special needs block was born out of a shared vision to create an educational environment that embraces every child, regardless of their individual challenges. We recognized that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword but a powerful catalyst for positive change. Many children with disabilities in the community faced barriers to education hindering their growth and potential. We knew we had to act to break down these barriers and empower every child to thrive.

The impact of the special needs block on the students at Kanjeru Primary School has been nothing short of remarkable. With specialized facilities and resources, the block caters to the unique needs of each child, ensuring no one is left behind. The building is wheelchair accessible and the classrooms are equipped with resources i.e. dormitory, washrooms and bathrooms, therapy spaces and customized learning materials that have been incorporated to create an environment that fosters growth, independence and self confidence in every pupil.

The inauguration of the special needs block has touched the entire community. Parents of the students with special needs expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities their children now have access to. The joy and hope we witnessed during the ceremony were unparalleled, and it has inspired us to do even more.

The journey towards inclusivity has been a collective effort. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, both local and international community who embraced our vision and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure that “Every Child Counts” is more than just a name. It is a guiding principle that drives our mission to break barriers and transform lives. With the support of our incredible community, we will continue to thrive for an inclusive world where every child has an equal opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. Together we are building a brighter future for the next generation.

Kanjeru Special Needs Children

Kanjeru Primary School has a total enrollment of 757 pupils, which consist of 636 in primary, 42 in special education and 79 in Early Child Education (ECDE).

For the year 2022, the school has prioritized the following projects in the Special Needs Unit:

- Construction of a Classroom Block for the Special Needs Children

Kanjeru Primary School has 42 children in Special Education. These children of both gender have challenges including, physical disability, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech autism among others. The school intends to have a special classroom block to cater for the needs of these children. Currently, the special needs children use classrooms built for children with no physical challenges. The classroom block will be designed to make it easier for use by those with physical disabilities. It will also be located closer to the other facilities used by the special needs children within the school compound.

- Learning Materials for the Special Needs Children

The special needs children in Kanjeru come from the neighboring poor villages. Majority of parents of the special needs children lack money to support the Special Needs Unit with learning materials. The school therefore seeks support to buy learning materials for the Unit including puzzles, boards, word picture match, thinking cards, number tracing boards, board games, skipping ropes, swinging rings among others.

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Enhanced Feeding Program at Waitua Primary School, Kenya

To make the meals wholesome for the children, we have enhanced the feeding program at Waitua Primary School, Kenya.

Earlier for the morning snack, we used to provide a cup of porridge. Now we are providing an egg with a cup of porridge. Eggs contain various trace nutrients that are important for health and thus keep away diseases which keep children out of school.

Earlier for the lunch, we used to provide a plate of rice with beans or pigeon peas and vegetables. Now we are proving a plate of rice with beans or pigeon peas or black beans or lentils, vegetables (cabbage or kales) and fruits (bananas or oranges). Due to a variety of legumes, the lunch is more richer with iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc which all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure. The diet has more protein and fibre content and thus good for the overall health of the children. #wholesomemealatschool