By East Africa Journal Reporter
Children living with disabilities, their parents, caregivers and teachers were celebrated at the Edmund Rice Centre in Kibera during an Art and Mental Wellness Exhibition aimed at promoting emotional wellbeing, inclusion and social support.
The exhibition, held on Friday, brought together the Rotary Club of Ngong Road, Restore & Renew Wellness Group, educators and families to showcase the impact of a month-long art therapy and mental wellness programme conducted at the centre.
Speaking during the event, Rotary Club of Ngong Road President Mwende Mulandi said the initiative sought to create safe spaces for children with disabilities while also addressing the mental health needs of their caregivers and teachers.
She noted that many parents raising children with disabilities face social stigma and isolation, often living in difficult conditions within informal settlements.
“Most times when we think about mental wellness, we focus on those who are visibly struggling, but we tend to forget the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. They also face significant challenges in society,” she said.
Mulandi urged parents not to hide children with disabilities but instead seek supportive learning environments where they can thrive and develop their full potential.
“All children deserve a future. We want to create safe spaces so they can have stronger futures,” she added, reaffirming the Rotary Club’s commitment to supporting the school, its teachers, caregivers and learners.
The exhibition featured artwork produced by children enrolled at the centre, demonstrating their creativity and capabilities.
Teacher Phyllis Ong’ayo-Ambenge praised the partnership with the Rotary Club, saying it had provided learning materials and support for both learners and their caregivers.
She called on parents to stop hiding children with disabilities and instead allow them to access education and opportunities for growth.
“The work displayed here has been made by our children with disabilities. This shows what they can achieve when given a chance to learn and participate,” she said.
Rotary Club of Ngong Road President-elect Austin Itebete emphasized the importance of sustained community support for children with disabilities.
He said the project was not a one-time activity but part of a broader effort to improve mental wellness through art therapy and capacity-building for caregivers and school staff.
“Every child deserves a chance. We want parents and the wider community to come together and continuously support children with disabilities,” he said.
Restore & Renew Wellness Group, which partnered with the Rotary Club and Edmund Rice Centre, provided psychological support sessions for parents, teachers and learners throughout the programme.
Dr. Nelly Otieno, Chief Executive Officer of Restore & Renew Wellness Group, said mental health challenges and disability continue to be heavily stigmatized within communities, making support services essential.
“Our role is to help the community understand that disability and mental health challenges are normal realities that require understanding and support,” she said.
Dr. Otieno noted that the artwork produced by the learners demonstrated their talents and potential, urging society to embrace inclusion rather than marginalization.
“If we support them, they can make meaningful contributions to society. Parents should not hide their children or fear seeking help. We are here to support them mentally and emotionally,” she said.
The exhibition highlighted the transformative role of art therapy in strengthening emotional expression, confidence and social interaction among children living with disabilities, while also providing much-needed support for the families and professionals who care for them.
Organizers expressed hope that the initiative would encourage greater awareness, acceptance and community support for persons living with disabilities across the country.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to ensure long-term impact and sustainability, the Rotary Club of Lavington Eco supported the centre with farm inputs and the establishment of a kitchen garden. The initiative is expected to strengthen food sustainability at the institution while providing learners with practical agricultural and life skills learning opportunities.
