SAFARICOM DISHES OUT SH650,000 TO SUPPORT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SPECIAL SCHOOL

The Safaricom Foundation and Niko Na Safaricom Live artistes left a lasting impact in the lives of the children of St. Vincent De Paul Special School for the mentally handicapped after donating sports and rehabilitation equipment valued at Ksh. 650,000 this past weekend.

The visit also doubled up as an entertainment episode as the children were led through the paces of song and dance by the visiting artistes who included Jalang’o, Sauti Sol, Jimmy Gait and Camp Mulla.

Speaking during the event, Safaricom CEO, Bob Collymore highlighted the need to focus more attention on addressing the various complex challenges facing the upbringing of children with special needs.

 “I appreciate that many interventions have been put in place both by the government and the private sector to address the issues of inequality within the education sector. This commitment and drive has however been lacking for children requiring special attention. Inadequate facilities, few teachers and scarce resources are gaping holes through which these children are falling off the education bandwagon,” said Collymore.

“I would therefore like to urge all players to refocus their energies on this crucial segment of our society and correct this glaring inequality so as to ensure that as many children with special needs as possible are retained in school, “he added.

 Kenya is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that recognizes and commits to the right of every child to access education but majority remain outside this crucial bracket.

The School Principal Mr. John Paul Konyango thanked the Safaricom team for the donation, saying that the equipment will enable the children realize their dream of participating in sports competitions as well as develop their individual talents.