As the festive season approaches, we are being reminded to remember those who are less fortunate especially people living with disabilities.
Currently many special needs centres continue to face shortages of staff, medicine, and essential supplies.
At Jawa Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Special Needs, located at Giitûne in Central Imenti, Meru County, dozens of children and adults living with different disabilities have found care, love, and a sense of belonging.
The centre, located deep in Ntonyero village, supports people with physical disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and mental health conditions.
According to the Acting Director Bridget Gatwîri, the facility currently helps 46 children with the youngest being just nine months old.
“Sixteen of them, aged seven and above, live here permanently while the rest come for daily therapy sessions,” Ms. Gatwiri said.
The centre also caters for 31 adults, many from low-income families.
To help sustain operations, the centre runs a community-based model where parents and guardians contribute a small fee for therapy, meals, and other services.
For those who cannot afford cash payments, the centre allows them to bring farm produce or volunteer their time through cleaning or helping with meals.
“This approach makes every family part of their loved one’s recovery journey,” Gatwiri explained.
Some beneficiaries come daily for therapy and return home in the evening, while others, especially those from distant areas, stay at the centre full-time.
As a way of giving back to society, Dr. Margaret Awino, the DCI officer in charge of Central Imenti, Meru County, visited the centre and donated food and non-food items to support its operations.
She made the visit during celebration to commemorate becoming the first female DCI officer to attain a Doctorate level in education in the field of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration.
Dr. Awino, who continues to further her education, also appealed to well-wishers to visit and support the less privileged members of society as we approach the festive season.
Ms. Gatwiri, who is also an occupational therapist, revealed that more than half of the residents suffer from cerebral palsy with others coming from as far as Marsabit, Isiolo, and Nanyuki.
“About 80 percent of the children here have cerebral palsy, and most are referrals from hospitals,” she noted.
However, the centre continues to face serious challenges, including a shortage of skilled staff particularly occupational therapists.
“The demand for therapy keeps rising, but we lack enough professionals to handle all the cases consistently,” Gatwiri said.
She added that access to essential medication especially anticonvulsants used by children with seizure disorders, remains difficult due to high costs.
In addition, the facility struggles with a shortage of disposable diapers particularly for older children and young adults who require them daily to maintain hygiene and dignity.
Despite these challenges, Jawa Rehabilitation Centre continues to serve as a safe haven for many families offering hope, care, and compassion to those who need it most.
