Kekeli Foundation transforms lives of children with developmental disabilities

The Director of Kekeli Foundation, Carrie Brown, has called for increased government support and investment in disability services, emphasized the need for more therapists, improved healthcare access and enhanced educational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities.

For nearly two decades, Kekeli Foundation has been working to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families, particularly those affected by developmental disabilities. Established in 2008, the organization initially focused on supporting vulnerable children before expanding its work to address the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities.

Speaking about the foundation's journey, Carrie Brown explained that after several years of community work, the organization discovered that children with developmental disabilities were often stigmatized, isolated and excluded from mainstream community life.

According to her, the realization prompted the foundation to adopt a more targeted approach by engaging directly with communities to identify children in need of support and create awareness about developmental disabilities.

One of the foundation's key interventions was the establishment of mother self-help groups, bringing together mothers of children with disabilities to share experiences, access information and receive support.

Through these groups, the foundation educates families on the causes of developmental disabilities and informs them about the healthcare and social services available to support their children.

Brown noted that the foundation also works closely with healthcare providers to help children access physical therapy and other essential medical services aimed at improving their development and quality of life.

"Our goal has always been to ensure that children with disabilities receive the support they need to develop their full potential and become active members of their communities," she said.

The organization initially sought to integrate children into mainstream schools. However, widespread stigma and concerns about inadequate resources within the education system led the foundation to develop an alternative solution.

As a result, Kekeli Foundation established a model inclusive school project and a resource and assessment center to provide specialized support, education and healthcare services for children with disabilities.

The center serves as a hub where parents can receive guidance, access assessments and obtain referrals to appropriate services while ensuring that children receive quality education in an inclusive environment.

Despite these achievements, Brown acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly in accessing specialized healthcare services.

She highlighted the shortage of trained therapists, including physical and speech therapists, as one of the biggest obstacles facing children with developmental disabilities and their families.

According to her, the foundation frequently brings specialists into the area to support the children, but the demand for services far exceeds the available resources.

She also expressed concern about the difficulties many families face in providing nutritious food for their children, emphasizing that proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development.

Brown called on the government and other stakeholders to invest in the training and deployment of more therapists and special education professionals across hospitals, schools and communities.

She noted that many mothers currently travel between one and two hours each week to access physical therapy services for their children, placing additional financial and emotional burdens on already struggling families.

"We need more trained professionals within our communities so families can access these services closer to home. No mother should have to choose between earning a living and ensuring her child receives the therapy they need," she stated.

Brown further urged policymakers, development partners and private organizations to collaborate in strengthening support systems for children with disabilities, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to quality healthcare, education and the opportunity to thrive.