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Forgotten but Not Forsaken: Serving Students with Disabilities in Kenya

by | Apr 3, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

In many parts of the world, children with disabilities face immense struggles—barriers to education, social stigma, and a lack of proper healthcare. In Kenya, particularly in rural areas like Migori County, these struggles are magnified by poverty and limited access to resources. Too often, children with disabilities are cast aside and forgotten, left to navigate a world that is not built for them.

However, hope exists. Through the work of organizations like Take Heart Africa, children who were once invisible to society are now being seen, valued, and given opportunities to thrive. The stories of Swiney, Lucy, and Jane are testaments to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education and compassion.

Swiney Dorcas: Silenced but Not Defeated

Swiney Dorcas, at just 14 years old, has already endured more hardship than most will in a lifetime. A traumatic event at the age of six left her unable to speak, yet she understands the world around her. For years, her education was interrupted due to financial hardship and her mother’s illness. Out of school for four years, her future seemed bleak.

But through Take Heart’s support, Swiney now attends St. Sylus Nyarongi Special Junior Secondary School, a school that caters to children with special needs. Here, she is not just another forgotten child—she is a student, a friend, a daughter with dreams. She finds joy in playing ball games with her classmates and helping her mother at home. Sponsorship provides her with school fees, uniforms, and essential supplies, ensuring she receives the education and care she deserves.

Lucy Akoth: Overcoming the Silence

Lucy Melda Akoth, 17, has always had the heart of a teacher. But as a child born with hearing impairment, her journey has been anything but easy. In a society where children with disabilities are often dismissed, Lucy faced skepticism from those who doubted her potential. Her parents worked tirelessly, yet the cost of specialized education was beyond their means, forcing her to pause her schooling.

Thanks to Take Heart’s scholarship program, Lucy was able to resume her education at St. Sylus Nyarongi School for the Deaf. She is now in Grade 8, thriving in an environment that nurtures her abilities rather than limiting them. She enjoys dancing and outdoor sports, proving that despite her hearing impairment, she is no less capable than her peers. With continued support, Lucy’s dream of becoming a teacher is within reach.

Jane: “Disability Does Not Mean Inability”

Jane’s story is one of extraordinary perseverance. Born with physical challenges, she was abandoned by her father and lost her mother at just one year old. Raised by her grandmother, Jane faced not only health challenges but the deep poverty of her rural village.

Without access to medical care, Jane struggled with stunted growth and severe asthma, often missing school. Yet, against all odds, she excelled academically, earning a place at a prestigious boarding school. Financial constraints threatened to derail her dreams—until Take Heart stepped in. Today, Jane is studying Information Technology at Sowing and Reaping College, proving that her disabilities do not define her. Her words, “Disability does not mean inability,” continue to inspire all who meet her.

The Reality for Children with Disabilities in Kenya

Swiney, Lucy, and Jane’s stories are not isolated cases. In rural Kenya, children with disabilities are often hidden away, denied education, and left without medical care. Families struggle to afford basic needs, let alone specialized education. With limited resources, many schools are unequipped to support students with disabilities, further alienating them from society.

Despite these challenges, organizations like Take Heart Africa are making a difference. By providing scholarships, school supplies, healthcare access, and emotional support, they are ensuring that children with disabilities are not forgotten. But the need is vast, and more help is needed.

How You Can Help

Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream. Your support can change the life of a child like Swiney, Lucy, or Jane. A monthly sponsorship of just $42 ($504 per year) provides essential education, healthcare, and nourishment. More than that, it gives these children hope—the knowledge that they are seen, valued, and capable of achieving greatness.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind, and no dream is left unfulfilled.

To sponsor a child, visit the Sponsor A Student tab or reach out to learn how you can be a part of transforming lives.

Because disability does not mean inability—and every child deserves a chance.

 

 

Swiney Dorcas

Jane Atieno

Lucy Akoth

Bellah in her graduation gown and Delta                                                                               Bellah in High School     

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF
FROM: Bellah Oguma

Dear Younger Me,

I see you — small, quiet, full of questions you’re afraid to ask and dreams that feel too big for the place you’ve grown up in. Life in the orphanage doesn’t make anything easy, and most days, it feels like the odds are against you. But I’m writing from a future you helped build — one shaped by your courage, your determination, and your refusal to give up. I know things feel heavy right now — like every step forward in school is uphill, and sometimes it’s hard to see why any of it matters. But I’m writing to tell you: education is worth the fight. Even on the days when it feels like the world is stacked against you.

There were moments when you were tired of proving yourself. When the effort didn’t seem to match the reward. When you were wondering if you’re smart enough, strong enough, or simply enough. But I promise, every late night, every test you worried about, every time you kept going when you wanted to quit — it adds up. It shaped you.

Education felt like your only way out — and it was. But it was never just a way out — it became a path through. From your early days in the orphanage, through a district school, and then the weight of having to repeat your 12th grade year just to get a chance at the university, you never stopped. You fought for every grade, every opportunity. And eventually, you made it.

You got into university. You started studying law — the career you used to only dream about. You found a way, even though money was tight, and you studied on sponsorships your entire life. It has been by the grace of God. Behind every call back home, you hid the truth — you faked being okay so your family wouldn’t worry more. You shared your stipend with your parents and even helped pay hospital bills for your younger brother. You became the provider for two families, making sure supper was on the table both where you were and back home.

You took on a responsibility heavier than most, almost like the first child and head of the family, all while balancing university demands. The criticism for being a young mother on campus cut deep, and the withdrawal, both emotional and financial, was a lonely path. Late nights spent studying for project work often left you exhausted, but the urge to find a job to support yourself and your family never left your mind. Sometimes, the burden was so overwhelming that you avoided conversations about your background because it felt like too much to carry.

But through it all, you persevered.

And today, despite every challenge, you are a certified Court Annexed Mediator and a qualified law graduate. You’re standing on the threshold of admission to the bar, ready to start the next chapter of your journey. The woman you’ve become carries every sacrifice, every tear, every sleepless night — and turns them into strength.

Education wasn’t just a fight for a certificate. It was a fight for your dignity, your family, and your dreams. And it was worth every battle.

Hold onto that, little one. Your story is far from over — and the best is yet to come.

With endless love and pride,
Your Older Self