Sanlam and Gertrude’s Hospital urge greater investment in skills and training for children with disabilities

Sanlam Kenya PLC, the Sanlam Foundation, and the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation (GHF), with support from the Allianz Group Social Impact Fund, have joined forces to champion inclusive economic empowerment and social well-being for differently-abled children across Kenya.

This initiative took centre stage during a vibrant Sports Day event organized by Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation in partnership with Sanlam Kenya. Themed “Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine,” the event brought together children with disabilities from different regions of the country, offering them a platform to showcase their abilities while engaging in therapeutic sports and arts activities.

The Sports Day is part of an ongoing empowerment initiative launched in September 2023, focusing on enhancing employability, social inclusion, and functional abilities among children living with disabilities. The program, which is now fully operational, seeks to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by these children, aiming to break barriers that limit their opportunities for personal and economic growth.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Thomas Ngwiri, Head of Clinical Services at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, emphasized the critical role of fostering social and functional skills for children with disabilities.

“Development of social and functional skills is essential for the independence of children with disabilities and their ability to engage in sustainable economic activities,” Dr. Ngwiri noted.

He highlighted the program’s success since its launch, including the introduction of therapeutic sports and arts interventions designed to boost self-esteem, enhance communication skills, and improve overall well-being.

“Since we launched the initiative last year, we have made substantial progress. One of our key commitments was to expose these children to the transformative power of sports and the arts, which has proven to elevate their quality of life significantly,” he added.

The Sports Day featured engaging games, tailored activities for children with special needs, and on-site occupational therapy services, providing both fun and functional benefits. Caregivers also received educational resources to support their children’s development beyond the event.

George Kuria, CEO of Sanlam General, underscored the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful change for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“We must continue to join hands to invest in children with disabilities. This is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Empowering these children through education, skill-building, and social inclusion enables them to make meaningful contributions to society, alleviating long-term economic burdens and fostering sustainable growth,” Kuria remarked.

He urged more stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector players, and civil society organizations, to collaborate in scaling up such initiatives.

While the initiative focuses on children, it also shines a light on the broader challenges faced by PWDs in Kenya. Despite existing incentives for their employment in the private sector, PWDs continue to encounter barriers to formal job opportunities. The lack of comprehensive data on their employment status, coupled with limited targeted recruitment and retention strategies in both public and private sectors, exacerbates their exclusion from the workforce.

Moreover, lower levels of education and inadequate skills training further limit their competitiveness in the labour market. This initiative aims to address these gaps early by equipping participants with essential tools for long-term success.

Through social skills training programs, increased access to sports and arts activities, and tailored occupational therapy interventions, the project fosters improved interaction, integration, and independence within communities.

“This initiative not only enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also provides them with greater opportunities for employment and economic empowerment, positioning them for sustained success in the future,” Dr. Ngwiri reiterated.

As Kenya strives toward achieving inclusive growth, initiatives like this set the stage for a future where children with disabilities are not only seen but heard, not only included but empowered. Through collaboration, education, and continuous support, Sanlam Kenya, Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, and their partners are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous society for all