Help Kenyan children with disabilities into school

Visually impaired children in Kenyan schools face numerous challenges, including limited access to specialised materials and equipment and a lack of inclusive education practices. Despite this, St Lucy’s Primary and Secondary Schools for the visually impaired in Igoji, Meru County, Kenya, are schools striving to create an environment that empowers, nurtures, and inspires. However, the schools lacked access to appropriate IT equipment to facilitate an effective learning environment. The lack of this equipment prevented students from following the Kenyan Competency Based Curriculum effectively, negatively impacting their learning and preventing them from gaining the necessary qualifications and skills needed to succeed as independent adults.

To address these challenges, Hand Around the World supported St Lucy’s Primary and Secondary Schools for the visually impaired with the provision of 60 refurbished laptops, 60 headsets and 60 laptop bags, enabling students to access information on an equal footing with their sighted counterparts.

The laptops, headphones and bags were purchased in Nairobi and transported to the schools and installed by the school technician. The schools already have access to a free screen reader programme and the provision of laptops supported the implementation of the Non-Visual Desktop Access (NDVA) software, enabling the visually impaired learners to navigate, study, and interact with the computers effectively. Furthermore, equipping the laptops with assistive software has reduced the need for costly braille and printed books.

The students are now able to study independently and will develop critical typing and ICT skills, essential for their academic and vocational success. This will also enhance their independence and confidence, creating a greater sense of autonomy, whilst fostering an inclusive learning environment within the schools. The provision of laptops and headphones has also provided a distraction-free learning environment and students are able to undertake individual research and study sessions.

The delivery and implementation of this project marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusive education at St Lucy’s Primary and Secondary Schools. The equipment has already begun transforming how learners with visual disabilities access educational content and participate in learning.

This initiative has made a huge difference to these students lives - thank you for your support!