•Lifeline for Isiolo’s Visually Impaired Learners: Government Responds to Urgent Appeal with Relief Food Support
Isiolo County, Kenya| In a much-needed boost for a budding institution dedicated to supporting visually impaired children, the government has donated 200 bags of maize and beans to the Isiolo Integrated School for the Visually Impaired, following an urgent appeal by a local community-based organization.
The food donation, which was facilitated by Principal Secretary for the State Department of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and Regional Development, Kello Harsama, came in response to a public plea made by We Care CBO, an advocacy group led by founder Amos Waqo.
The school, which opened its doors in February 2024, currently serves over 50 children aged between 5 and 13, many of whom are orphans or come from highly vulnerable backgrounds.
Speaking during the handover of the food supplies, Waqo expressed gratitude to PS Harsama for his swift response, noting that the donation would ensure continuity in learning for the students who depend on the institution for both education and basic needs.
“This support will help keep these children in school. Some of them are total orphans, and we cannot afford to let hunger stand in the way of their education,” said Waqo.
Waqo further appealed to parents in Isiolo and neighboring Marsabit County to enroll visually impaired children at the school, emphasizing the transformative impact of specialized education.
“Let’s not hide these children at home. This institution offers not just education, but a nurturing space with medical monitoring and referrals for checkups,” he added.
A Critical Institution with Growing Needs
The Isiolo Integrated School for the Visually Impaired stands as the only institution of its kind in northern Kenya, providing crucial access to education for a largely underserved demographic.
However, despite its noble mission, the school grapples with significant operational and infrastructural challenges.
Headteacher Rebecca Mwanjiru highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, particularly the construction of safe, disability-friendly walkways.
“Our learners face the constant risk of tripping due to uneven pathways. As a school for the visually impaired, our environment must prioritize safety,” she stressed.
Mwanjiru also noted that while the Ministry of Education has commendably deployed sufficient teaching staff and provides some lunch support, the school’s boarding section remains heavily reliant on donations from well-wishers.
“We are deeply thankful for every bit of help we receive, but more sustainable support is needed to ensure the children’s welfare,” she said.
The Educators’ Perspective: Passion Meets Reality
Among the staff is Amina Ibrahim, a special needs teacher who is visually impaired herself.
Sharing her personal journey, Amina spoke candidly about the systemic challenges in special education, including delays in delivering curriculum materials tailored for visually impaired students and the high costs of essential learning resources like Braille equipment and embossed papers.
“Being visually impaired, I understand the value of accessible education. But we need more government support in making Braille materials available and affordable,” said Amina.
Call for Continued Support
The government’s intervention through food aid has undoubtedly provided temporary relief, but school officials and advocates are calling for a broader, sustained commitment from both public and private stakeholders.
The appeal is not only for food and infrastructural improvements but also for greater investment in inclusive education resources.
“We need long-term partnerships, not just one-off donations,” said Waqo. “These children deserve every chance to thrive, and that requires consistent effort from us all—leaders, parents, and the broader community.”
As the only haven for visually impaired children in the region, the Isiolo Integrated School for the Visually Impaired symbolizes both the promise of inclusive education and the daunting realities of underfunded special needs institutions.
The latest support marks a step forward, but much more remains to be done to turn this vision into a sustainable reality.
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