Ability Africa Magazine Issue Two by Ability Africa Magazine

ABILITY AFRICA ISSUE 2

Setting the Inclusion pace: Kenyatta University Acquired disability. What would you do? Mandate of National council for persons with disabilities. From Conquering the Odds of Albinism in Tanzania to an Icon of Hope Diversity and fashion Ability models love and disability CV writing tips and many more Ksh 200/=

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Settle for Less..... An Inspiring Story of Conquering Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curveballs

Index Editors Note: 1

Dear Cerebral Palsy: 2-3 Don’t Settle for less: 4-11 The Love Journey: 12-13 Setting The Pace: 15-16 Parenting A Special Child: 18-20 Recipes: 22-23 Mandate of National council of persons with disabilities: 24-25 Conquering the Odds of Albinism in Tanzania to an Icon of Hope: 26-29 Raising a child with special needs: 3032 Tips on Job Adverts, Cover Letters and, CVs by ATB: 32-34 Scaling the Academic Heights: 36-39 Acquired Disability - What would you do: 40-42 Ability Models: 44-47 Legendary Voice for God’s Glory - Mary Atieno`s Story: 48-49 Lessons of Life: 50 Confidence Building Tips: 51 Ability Africa Magazine Launch Photos, Contacts and Information: 52-53

Editor’s Note:

reetings to you all and a warm welcome to our Ability Africa Magazine second issue. Thank you all for reading, both the magazine and blog: and for the great feedback. God bless you. We are growing and striving towards the epitome of greatness, and consequently we cannot do this without your thoughts, comments, and ideas. All said, feel free to write to us, with your suggestions, ideas, thoughts and anything that will help make Ability Africa Magazine an all time favorite magazine. At the center of every article in this issue, there is imminent power of love: selfless love, unadulterated, in its purest form, which is sacrifice. We have profiled stories that reveal how love has conquered it all through acceptance, sacrifices amidst all forces saying otherwise. There is a message of exclusivity, love, and breaking inherited taboos and stereotypes. A message bearing light of a generation that says, we ought to look beyond what the society has handed down to us; from color, to our inabilities, and looking at these as diversities that make life beautiful; differences that make this canvas of life worthwhile. From the articles in this issue, you will feel a resonating voice urging us not to give up on our differences: that, we are all beautiful in different ways and in our own ways we have values and treasures that make our society whole. I wish you all a happy reading. Yours truly, Eric Mutei The Chief Editor Email: editor@abilitysociety.co.ke Or feedback@abilitysociety.co.ke

My Abilities - Miriam`s Story: 54-55 Answers to previous Crossword: 56

www.zanaafrica.com

Dear Cerebral Palsy

his is my first letter to you. I hope it will not be last. For the past 2 years, I have been with you though none knows why I have you. Unlike others who have you, my birth was normal. According to my mom everything was fine until when I was nine months old that my parents were informed that I had cerebral palsy. I doubt my parents knew about you before then. Their reaction after the news is the subject of another letter maybe. All I know is that their routine changed. They had to reorganize their

never quite understood who you were when I was young. I realized I had you from having a hard time walking, through difficulties in my speech, to the number of times I went for therapy that was often accompanied by pain. As for the eyes that would stare at me as I bounced my legs, and the number of schools I visited in search for admissions, as well as the extra care, support and love from everyone everywhere, they did not go unnoticed. As I grew older, I understood I was different but I would not to let you make me miserable. I was determined instead to take advantage of you to reach my fullest potential. Oh, speaking about taking advantage, I remember of a time when I took advantage of you and the whole class escaped punishment. Cerebral palsy this is what happened, we were found making noise and because I knew I wasn’t going to be punished I volunteered myself to be punished instead of the whole class. That’s how the whole class escaped punishment. By the way, did I mention that I cried until the teacher forgave the whole class? You never imagined I would be Hollywood material, did you? I was surprised with my superior acting skills too.

it’s not been easy for me but every step, pain and tear has been worth the struggle. You have made me who I am today and even if I were given a chance to choose another life, believe it or not, I would choose a life with you. You have taught me that the sky brightens up in the morning no matter how dark the night might have been. You have made me believe what the Bible tells me- not to worry about tomorrow and the need to take one step at a time. You’ve given me the best laughter, made my mum skip bus-stop lines just because she was with me. Above all I am stronger because of you. You have made me appreciate all people, see all people as equal and special in their own way. You have made me be more patient by having to repeat some words to people. You have made me be very careful while choosing my friends and ignore those who tell me what I can’t do yet I know I can. You have made me choose what to listen to and retain, and what to listen and let go.

For instance, when I could not explain how that glass of water poured, I thank you for making me strong enough to answer in a calm way. Moreover, because of you, I have chosen to view those who stare at me as I walk as an audience that enjoys my unique bounce, a thing that cannot be copied by anyone else. I am proud of my bounce. I consider it my bounce around the world. I will forever be thankful to God for letting me have cerebral palsy. Because of you, I am who I am. I hope I can write to you soon to encourage someone with cerebral palsy. Bye Yours Truly Elsa Koi

I have never questioned why I have you even though sometimes you push me to the point of giving up. Sometimes you take advantage of small wounds to make me not go anywhere. You time in order to accommodate me and my needs, make me not go to school for years because of a especially therapy. The therapy improved our simple sickness. For that canceled date because relation with each other. Even though I was taken I couldn’t make it alone. Those pains come and to school on someone’s back, I was determined to the doctor doesn’t seem to know why or even the walk. I ruled over you when I walked. I thank God cure for it. because being able to walk was, to me, a major victory over you. I have you and will never question why I have you. Sometimes I wonder where I would be if I didn’t Cerebral Palsy, I knew I had you, even though I have you, then I get an answer “nowhere”. Yes

Don’t Settle for Less. An Inspiring Story of Conquering Life’s Curveballs Some people come to the stage of life and leave imprints in our minds and souls that remind us of the beauty of our diversity. Others come with experiences and stories that inspire us to be better, to make the world better and raise our voices against that which speaks discrimination. Here is woman at the center of history bearing a testimony that, we can do it better. We don’t have to settle for less. We can change our mindsets to accommodate others who are less privileged. Her story reverberates of nothing but hope, courage, strength and a deep desire to see a better world.

Commissioner and as a Rapporteur for the Bill of Rights which entrenched the rights of women and men with disabilities among other human rights. My work in the African region includes the education of the visually impaired in Eastern and Southern Africa (Sight Savers), Education of the Girl Child in Africa (Forum for African Women Educationalists), ensuring free fair and peaceful elections in Sierra Leone under the Commonwealth and review of the education policy in Swaziland including gender and special needs inclusivity for UNICEF.

y name is Salome Wairimu Muigai a 5th born of a large polygamous marriage of 25 plus children. At the age of 61 I am blessed with a living mother and father aged 92 and 101 years old, respectively. I consider myself a Global citizen living in Kenya. With the modern connectivity we have basically become neighbors on the virtual village. I am a mother of 7 with 2 daughters and 5 sons. I start with the girls because in Africa they tend to be second-rated. I love all my children and celebrate gender as an enriching diversity. Currently, I am a Social Development Consultant. Having worked as a teacher and development worker all my life, I bring my lived experience as a woman with physical disability and living in a developing country, into my work as a driving force of passion and commitment to leave the world more accessible to all than I found it. Some wise person said, “If you wanted to travel fast you should travel alone but if you want to travel far then you would need to take others with you”. I was privileged to serve in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission as a

Earliest Memories

My earliest memories are of a home where I was accepted, loved and supported. My Dad lovingly called me ndugugu which referred to my instability on my feet. All my siblings learn t to give a hand in the morning to ensure my stability and support as I got out of the cot. My needs were also discussed openly, without value judgment, along with those of my other siblings. This affirmation at the family level gave me the self-acceptance and esteem that has helped me forge on. My first encounter with value judgment of disability came from outside my family. Some children in the neighborhood would have reservations playing with me and others would use derogatory terms in reference to me. Fortunately, by then I was confident in the knowledge of the love I had at my home and I sincerely thought that these people were mistaken in their perception of me. I still feel the same at times even in adulthood.

Primary School Experiences

On my part, she ensured that I was allowed to start my walk to the Dining Hall 10 minutes before the other girls started their march to the same facility. I was also accompanied by another student to ensure that I did not feel excluded. The students also went back to the Boarding Houses for a siesta after lunch. Miss Barnes gave me permission to go to the library instead. Apparently the Form One class was not allowed into the Library but my dear Principal changed the rules to accommodate my special needs. By my final year in this school I was one of the School Prefects. This school taught me the first lesson in Diversity and Inclusion.

I joined a mainstream school and my experiences were not much different from the other kids without disabilities. This was made more challenging by the teachers who were insensitive to my disability. For instance I remember one daily routine was run from the assembly ground and touch the gate before going for the lessons. This never went easy on me; as I always got trampled on the ground, since I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run like them. It took time for me to learn survival tactics and the intervention of one teacher who decided I did not need to run and touch the gate and assigned me the role of sorting out books in the classroom while the other children were running. I also remember at some point requesting the administration to allow me pass through the staff arch way which was only used by school employees and was shorter for me than the regular main gate used all the other students. These were some of my first encounters with affirmative action that made it possible for me to attend school. I was selected as the class prefect in class two, a position I held till Class 7 when I became the Head Girl. My mother and father had emphasized to me on the importance of education. In fact I had overheard them discuss how critical education was to my independent living. They insisted that education would fetch water and firewood for me in future. You can imagine a little girl trying to imagine the education carrying a can of water on the head or firewood on the back as was the practice then. Nonetheless, I took my education very seriously and worked hard in class. I must have decided to change the playing field into the classroom where I stood a chance in the race.

Were there challenges?

Yes and many. Kenya High School is built on a slope. It has the greatest number of stairs that I have seen in my 60+ years. To date, there is a resistance towards creation of ramps, rails and other assertive facilities that would make the school accessible to students with disabilities. It is my prayer that such and many other national schools will address issues of access including formulation of affirmative action policies in order to increase the number of students with special needs in attendance.

Kenyatta University

I was very excited to join Kenyatta University to study Education, Biology and Chemistry as a preparation to teach the Secondary School level. Kenyatta University sits on a massive piece of land, and in those days buildings scattered from one corner to the other. This was hectic for everyone to move from one lecture hall to the other and it was worse for someone with a physical disability. I remember, I would start walking to the lecture 40 minutes earlier while others would take around 10 minutes. My greatest challenge was when I had to move from one lecture to the next immediately without a break in between, this would find me arrive 30 minutes later or even find the lecture concluding. A solution had to be found, I had to look for a way out.

High School Experiences-Kenya High School

I joined Kenya High School at the time of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transition from a Europeans only girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school to a multi-racial school. This meant that as well as dealing with my disability status in a mainstream school, I now had racial issues added to a plate I had thought was quite full. I thank God for Miss V M Barnes, our Principal who was able to create an environment that was enabling for me and other students of African and Asian origin.

Photos By Duncan Otuoma

My early childhood experience came handy, my dad had bought me a bicycle while I was young and I hence I could cycle. I therefore bought a mountain bicycle that enabled me navigate from one lecture room to the other. This made my life quite bearable. However, I had to contend with other challenges too. As an audacious courageous girl who always spoke her mind my male classmates never took it kindly whenever I answered them or responded to questions in class. I remember some instances where some classmates would borrow my bike, which acted as my legs, and when I refused to share, they would threaten physically beat me. My Science Class had few girls and two of us had disabilities with my disability being more severe. The young men acted as if the young women were intruders in the science class which they perceived as their territory. They decoded our ability to express ourselves clearly as arrogance. Those of us who were not afraid of the men were looked upon as disrespectful. In other words all those attributes of leadership, self-esteem, courage, ability to articulate ideas clearly and even understanding concepts in class, attributes which were admired in men, were decoded as negative in women. Worse scenario was when the particular woman had a disability; the men found it so impossible to even tolerate her. Again, I had to learn new survival techniques; because some men felt the only way to put me in my place was beat me physically. At that time the University only recognized and supported blind students in collaboration of an NGO. I am however, happy to remember the personal interventions of some members of the Dean of Students’ office in their personal capacity as well as some kind lecturers who got out of their way to help me. May the Lord recall the help in their favor? Looking back I think University time was jungle warfare for me. While my peers were busy forging relationships and getting engaged for marriage I was busy strategizing and managing survival tactics.

Employment and further studies

Upon graduation I was absorbed as a teacher and later the principal of Kabete approved secondary school where I served for ten years.

My experience interacting with the Juvenile Justice System helped shape my perceptions and approach on solving issues. I then left the country and joined London School of Economics where I graduated with a Masters in Social Policy and Planning majoring in Gender and Development.

Gender versus Disability

Since then I have worked with different NGOS as a gender specialist and being the voice of the voiceless with special interest on diversity and inclusion where I train and develop inclusive policies both in education and at workplaces. My experience and observations as a woman with a disability and gender specialist, is that women with disabilities tend to miss the gender train in that the gender or feminist movement is led by women without disabilities and rarely do they include women with disabilities in the agenda. On the other side the disability train is dominated by men with disabilities and therefore once again the woman with a disability is left out. The woman with a disability is caught up in between the two groups that are fighting for visibility and recognition and have no spare energy to consider the needs of a woman with a disability. Again men with disabilities are easily picked because they are better educated and more articulate. However, I must note that there is progressive changes with the new generation where girls and young women with disabilities are receiving mentorship from us who walked the painful lonely journey. For more impact to be felt and for women with disabilities to have equal opportunities we need to move a step further and focus on women with disabilities as a category.

Stereotypes working against women with disabilities

There are many unreported gender based violence against girls and women with disabilities. Cultural gender roles define a good wife as one who would go to fetch water, firewood and till the land. Therefore, when one had a physical disability she was cut off from the basic requirements, not to mention that disability

was seen as a defect, a curse and a punishment from God. Therefore, chances of being married were minimal. Although, the cultural the expectations on the role of a wife have changed due to the modern wife being an employee, the societal attitudes still remain unfavorable. When one has a disability, she is seen as an asexual. While girls were being prepared for marriage and motherhood for us with disabilities, no one trained us. Therefore, a woman with a disability will have her sexuality ignored unlike for a man with disability, for instance if he gets a good job or money the relatives and friends will team up to assist him get a wife if he has stalled. Ironically, what women without disabilities fight against as stereotypes, and is automatic for them. To us it’s a privilege and we work extra hard to get. I see a young girl without a disability whine and complain that her husband wants them have a baby immediately after wedding or she feels harassed and hurried to marriage, on the contrast, a girl of her age is wondering if she is sexually normal because not even her own mother ever discussed sexuality with her or worse she has received stern warnings that she can’t give birth, and others have been made to believe they will give birth to children with disabilities. Sadly, I have witnessed women/girls with disabilities being assaulted and raped by caregivers and family members during my years of service as a social worker. Unfortunately, they can’t provide evidence because for instance, how will a blind girl confirm who raped her yet he didn’t talk and she didn’t see him? Although, from her senses she knows who did it to her. This is the sad journey of women with disabilities. The scope is huge and worse bit is that it’s all enshrouded by stereotypes and ignorance.

Disability movement in Kenya

I am glad to see the fruits of the work in the movement, like our fore fathers who fought for independence with a vision of a free country free from oppression so did we. From where I stand, we have gained milestones, for the last thirty years we were looking for visibility and

recognition in policies and systems of which we have achieved. However, I must register my disappointment that disability movement in Kenya has always been hijacked by self-seeking individuals who use disability as a ticket to accumulate individual wealth rather than the interest of the group they purport to represent. Sadly, the educated persons with a disability will easily forget the needs of poor illiterate persons with disability in the rural areas. This country belongs to all of us and therefore, like a golden chain it is as strong as its weakest link and that the civilization of a country is measured by the way it treats its perceived weak members. I urge all the young people with disabilities and upcoming leaders to always stand bigger over self interest.

Advice to the parent:

You ought to realize a child with a disability is a perfect gift from God to you and not a punishment by any chance. God looked around and realized you were the only one whom He could entrust you with such a special gift and that is why they are called special children. Do not worry so much about the future of the baby because the creator is aware, just offer unconditional love, acceptance and give the child opportunities to be. My success story is based solely on the unconditional love I received from home. This background has enabled me concur all mountains.

Final Thoughts:

I belong to a school of thought that the word “at least” doesn’t exist I work with “outmost”. Meaning I work and always receive the best. I don’t settle for less and this is my challenge to anyone reading this story with or without disability: don’t settle for less, don’t allow anyone convince you at least you have this and that. Go for the best because you deserve it and it is attainable if you put your mind and heart into it. By Blessed GM

The Love Journey Love

is beautiful and at times we find it in the oddest of places. True love knows no boundaries; or coloractually it is color-blind, diversity and what not. Here is a story of triumphs, challenges, and finally finding love. We feature Geoffrey Wachira has he takes us through his journey of ups and downs, heartbreaks, and the bliss of finding his true love.

I was born in the beautiful Kenyan highlands of Kirinyaga in the now Kirinyaga County. My parents Mr. and Mrs. Wachira took care of me like any other boy child in the community. I grew up enjoying the pleasures of tender age playing with my age mates. At age five, through the words of my nursery school teacher, I discovered that I was visually impaired. The news devastated me. I ran

home and vowed never to go back to school. It took a lot of coaxing from my parents for me to go back to school. That was the genesis of a horrifying experience at school. I could not read what teachers wrote on the blackboard, and some teachers resorted to beating me and calling me names, something that was always discouraging. Life was so hard

for the blind where I sat for my KCPE. I joined Thika High School for the Blind and later Kenyatta University where I did a Bachelor’s degree in French and Literature in English.

for me that at that tender age, I ran away from school. It is at that point that my dad, through the help of the late Joe Mike Morrissey from Christoffel Blindenmission CBM, took me to Kikuyu eye hospital where I spent six months undergoing several corrective eye surgeries.

I had gone to visit my music teacher; the late Samson Leli when I met her. Though we never talked much that day, we exchanged contacts. Break up: Our relationship grew in leaps and bounds. We would visit each other once in a while and go for outings. When I left university, I had a turbulent transition with the tussle of looking for a job pushing me to the edge and leaving me disillusioned. I made one very

I found myself as a student at St. Lucy’s School for the Blind Egoji in Meru County later I joined Thika primary school

Love at first sight: I first met my dear wife Rebecca Nyadzuwa after form four when I was working in my former high school as a Braille transcriber.

terrible mistake; I called my girlfriend Rebecca and called off the relationship. Though I felt nothing at that point, the impact of what I had done sank me into depression three weeks later. Depression: After settling in Nairobi, I began to feel lonely. The school schedules were so charged that I had little time to interact with the outside world. I had different relationships in between and all ended badly. I remember people close to me would try connecting me with ladies assuming probably I was not able to approach ladies .My narrative was different; I had not found what I needed in a woman,. Part of this was as a result of my break up with Rebecca and financial constrains since I had not secured a reliable job. Additionally some of the relationships I tried at that point

were founded on wrong reasons and this kept me going. Though and therefore did last the test of she remained non committal, life had taught me that the time. difference between winning and losing is not quitting. I started having spasms of nostalgia whenever I On 24th December 2014, remembered Rebecca’s beauty and personality. I knew she had after eight long months of persistence, I got the best the qualities I was looking for Christmas gift ever; Rebecca in a woman; more so having been raised up by a parent with Nyadzuwa finally agreed to a visual impairment I knew she marry me. Patience is bitter but was best placed to understand its fruits are really sweet. The me. One day like the story of the rest as they say is history. On 15 August 2015 in African lost son in the bible I realized I Inland Church Jericho, I, in a was paying dearly for breaking colorful ceremony exchanged up with a woman of virtue marriage vows with the lovely and character, I decided to go Rebecca Nyadzuwa. back and ask for forgiveness. I was finally a married man. I decided to call her and know how she was fairing. We talked By Mwaura Karagu for a whole hour. I knew there was still an opportunity that she would accept me back into her life again. I had a dream that we would be back together,

Setting The Pace EXPERIENCE COMFORT AND VALUE AT ITS BEST Who we are 67 Airport Hotel is just 6 km and seven minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Our three-star hotel offers comfort and excellent value. Guests can look forward to the traditional warmth and hospitality for which 67 Airport Hotel is renowned.

Comfort and value just seven minutes from JKIA

Our rooms

Swimming pool

All our 64 rooms come with 32 inch flat screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, telephone, desk, minibar, digital safe, free high-speed Wi-Fi, private bathroom, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. All our rooms are non-smoking and we have dedicated rooms for physically disabled guests.

We have a modern and well maintained swimming pool measuring 16 metres by 8 metres with a depth of 1.8 metres at the deep end and 1.2 metres at the shallow end. It features a baby pool. A lifeguard is on hand.

Grounds The hotel grounds are ideal for team building, weddings and corporate events. Family activities include swimming, bouncy castles, trampolines, face painting and bubble soccer balls.

Conference rooms Our well designed conference facilities come with audio-visual equipment, LCD projectors, screens, a PA system, flip charts and free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi.

Restaurants We have two indoor and three outdoor restaurants – one by the poolside – serving local and international cuisine plus a range of children’s delicacies.

Kenyatta University Leads In Mainstreaming Disability Issues

he Directorate of Disability Services (DODS) was established in May 2010 to cater for the needs of the increasing number of staff and students with disabilities in Kenyatta University. However, students with Disabilities were first admitted to KU in 1977 and most of them were Visually Impaired (VI). With barely 10 students in 1978, presently KU has over 150 students and over 40 staff with disabilities. Through the Directorate of Disability Services the University has been able to achieve her goals of addressing various disability-related issues. These include: a) sensitization of new staff on disability issues b) ensuring students with disabilities are allocated accommodation c) organizing for the Annual Kenyatta University Disability Awareness Day held every third Friday in February d) organizing for Disability Sports in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Games e) assisting staff to register with National Council for Persons with Disabilities and tax exemption procedures with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

f) auditing the University on accessibility and generally handling issues affecting PLWDs in the University.

ny University can admit students with disabilities if adequate accommodation is made for them. The categories of students with disabilities that a university can admit include:               

Low vision and blindness Autism Albinism Cerebral palsy Deaf-blindness Deaf and hard of hearing Down’s Syndrome Emotional disturbance Epilepsy Intellectual disabilities Multiple disabilities Orthopedic impairments Other health impairments Speech or language impairment Traumatic brain injury

disabilities to participate in physical education courses and athletics. • Specialized campus meals for those with food sensitivities or medical conditions. • Groups, clubs or events made accessible or organized for or by students with disabilities. • Accessible modes of transportation for students with disabilities. • Access to higher education for PWDs through provision ofassistive technology. It is important to note that each category of disability of an individual has own unique needs hence the needs may not be generalized or universal.

So far, Kenyatta University has students with visual impairment, hearing impairment, albinism, physical disabilities, speech impairment and cerebral palsy. Some adjustments that have been made for these students include: • Academic adjustments and auxiliary aids:  Modifications to testing requirements, including allowing more time and offering alternative test formats and locations.  Equipment services or modifications to the classroom environment or course materials. • Computer hardware and/or software designed to assist individuals with disabilities. • Physical accessibility: • Accessible hostels provide privacy and/or facilitate learning for students with disabilities. • Buildings, facilities and equipment designed for physical accessibility. • Financial and employment assistance: • Helping students with disabilities access scholarships and other financial assistance. • Programmes providing vocational support and guidance to students with disabilities. • Opportunities for students with

Being an inclusive University that takes care of its substantial number of students with disabilities at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and workers, the University strives to make all of them fully accepted and respected as human beings so that they all can they enjoy all privileges on account of being bona fide University students and KU workers respectively. Kenyatta University is also an equal opportunity employer. As a result, staff with disabilities have also been given opportunities to serve and despite a myriad of challenges at individual levels. It is gratifying to note that most of them have over the years executed their duties diligently. KU therefore continues to be a pacesetter and still enrolls the highest number of students with disabilities compared to other public and private institutions in the country. Upon graduation some of the alumni have occupied key Government positions such as Members of Parliament, Constitutional Commissioners, Senior Teachers, Lecturers, among others. These alumni play key roles in the public and private sectors in our society and act as role models to the on-going student body and the rest of Kenyan Society. May God Bless Kenyatta University. By Prof. Paul K. Mbugua and Phoebe Nalwa

Parenting A Special Child But God in his immense wisdom and grace has given such parents bigger hearts and versatility like water flowing on the rocks. They are unstoppable: there love and commitment echoes down from one generation to the other that, love conquers it all. Here is Bishop Dr.Stephen Kanyaru M’Mpwii, the former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Kenya, as he takes us through his journey of bringing up a child with disability.

Makena is a very determined girl and has never disappointed us, her hard work and resilience challenges me. She did her undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Mathematics and graduated with Second Class Honors Upper Division. She later enrolled for Masters Degree in Strategic Management at Catholic University of East Africa and graduated this year.

Q: We rarely see children with cerebral palsy conditions pursuing Education, what was your motivation?

Queen Esther Makena as mummy calls her, I stood with my wife and the priceless Gift that God had entrusted us with. Her mum forgot the struggle of the prolonged labor pains she had and immediately took her duties as a mother.

Q: What were your plans for her education?

A: We had resolved to give her the best Education we could afford, with the nature of her disability, we knew education empowerment was a basic necessity. I must confess that one of our difficult moments in bringing up Makena was when it came to making the decision of the school she Q: Briefly introduce yourself. would attend. After wide consultations and A: I am Bishop Dr. Stephen Kanyaru M’Mpwii, pieces of advice, Makena began her education the immediate former presiding bishop of the journey in Tharaka-Nithi County, a school called Methodist Church. I am father to Esther Makena Kibumbu in Chuka district which was integrated. and four other children. We however had to transfer her to another Q. Let’s talk about your daughter Makena. school when we realized that the quality of education there was below our expectation and When did you discover she had a disability? also the kind of foundation we wanted for her. A. Three to four months after Makena was We .still had to transfer her for the second time born, her mummy suspected Makena’s growth was limited as she could not make the necessary to another school called Lare. We were still not satisfied in the second special school and for the moves expected of her age. Being a nurse by first time, we decided to risk and transfer her to a profession it was easy for her to detect that regular school. Makena had special needs though at first she Regular school experience: couldn’t tell what it was. We later learn t our Finally she joined Meru Junior Academy. We daughter had cerebral palsy condition. Therefore have never regretted the decision. The quality of we started her physiotherapy clinics very early and this helped her manage mobility that was the education and the environment shaped her to be the independent minded person she is today. most difficult We knew that she was like any other child and Q. When you realized that your daughter had a disability, what was your first reaction? thus wanted the best for her. We have seen other parents with able bodied children struggling so A: At first, we were shocked and very sad we were never exceptional. I remember my wife for a moment, however as a clergyman I drew struggling to carry her on her back since we did my strength from Genesis 1:31, When God not own a car those days. When I finally got a car, created the Earth he marveled and said it was I was able to take her whenever she wanted. beautiful and so when he created my daughter

A: We had already accepted our child so we knew that the struggle would be short lived. We knew that she was like any other child and thus wanted the best for her. We have seen other parents with able bodied children struggling so we were never an exception. I remember my wife struggling to carry her on her back since we did not have our own car those days. When I finally got a car, I was able to take her whenever she wanted. She performed very well in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and was called to Kaaga Girls High School. She performed very well and was admitted to Kenya Methodist University.

Q: Bishop, many times we see preachers advertising crusades on how the disabled will walk or healing miracles, what is your take on this?

A: Like the thorn in Paul flesh, I believed it happened for God to be gloried. He knew we could handle the challenges of bringing up a special child and therefore blessed us with one. We never subjected her to that, I believe it is not right for any church to use disability as an advertising tool, it traumatizes persons with disabilities when they don’t receive the promised healing ,this does not mean I doubt the healing power of God however I believe this needs spiritual wisdom and revelation .

Q: How did your fellow clergymen and church react, were you discouraged?

She performed very well in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and was called to Kaaga Girls’ High School. She did very well and went to The Kenya Methodist University for her higher education.

A: The Methodist church of Kenya is an inclusive community, we accept people as they are as this is what stewardship is about. I did not get any discouragement since our church was among the first churches to start a

department for persons with disabilities. This department was started by a white missionary who was a quadriplegic. They had seen a successful case of a person with disability so my daughter was not an exception. Her arrival made my church even more passionate on matters of disability.

Disabilities. She did volunteer work for a whole two years. It is after this that they decided to employ her. Though the salary was very low in the beginning, we encouraged her not to quit. We even hired a driver to drop her at her place of work every morning and pick her every evening. Though it was quite expensive, we knew that it would soon be over. She later did receive a salary increment which helped her purchase her own car. Though she can drive herself, she has hired her own driver cum assistant. It is our hope and prayer that her employers will one day recognize her Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and remunerate her accordingly. We are even encouraging her to go for a PhD.

We have been able to start several institutions for the education of persons with disabilities like Port Rietz School for the Physically Handicapped in Mombasa, Marimanti School for the Deaf and several other small homes for persons with different disabilities.

Q. What is your advice to parents of special children?

Q: what was your source of inspiration ?

A: I was never discouraged because I had gone through numerous hardships early in life. My mother died when I was in class three. My father had died earlier leaving us under the care of our uncle. I had also met a very successful visually impaired man who was a Kiswahili teacher in Tharaka-Nithi County. This teacher went ahead to work with the county government. I, therefore, knew firsthand that it was possible for a person with disability to be successful.

A. Being a parent is challenging but being a parent of a child with a disability comes with more challenges. Do not compare one disability with another for disabilities are not homogeneous but are unique to each case. Learn to celebrate the small achievements the children with disabilities achieve for they help them do better. Do not over protect them but allow them to be. Allow them to make decisions on their own when they are of age. Most of all show them love for if you do not, who will? By Muthii Wa Wachira

Q: what was her experience in search for employment?

A: When she graduated, she could not get a job so we encouraged her to do volunteer work at the National Council for Persons with

Recipes

By Pam Odor

Whole Tilapia Curry Ingredients 1 Whole Deep Fried Tilapia, 2 large Onions (chopped), 2 tsp Fresh Garlic & Ginger (crushed), 1 tsp Turmeric, Garam masala, Cinnamon, Cardamon, Curry Powder, 4 Large tomatoes chopped small, Half a litre Milk or Natural Yoghurt or Coconut Milk, Salt to taste ,Cooking Oil In a sauce pan,

Meatballs

Directions

Ingredients 1/2 kg of double minced meat, Bread crumbs, Eggs, 1/2 tsp black pepper, White pepper, Salt, 1 chopped n fried onion, 1/2 a tsp crushed ginger, Garlic, 50 ml cooking oil

Directions . Mix everything together in a bowl and leave in the fridge to marinate overnight. . The mixture is well mixed when you roll the balls and nothing sticks on your palm. If it is still sticky, add a bit more of the bread crumbs. . Roll your raw meat balls to desired size. Deep fry in moderately high cooking oil or bake them in a preheated oven @ 200*C

. Heat up oil to very high heat. . Add chopped onions and stir till golden brown. . Add a little water then add ginger, garlic and stir fry until they are cooked. . If it sticks on the pan, add a little water. . At this point add in all your dry ingredients (spices) and stir further until cooked. . Adding a bit of water if it sticks to the pan. . When all the spices are cooked, pour in the tomatoes and simmer until all the moisture evaporates while stirring occasionally to leave you with a thick paste.

. Add the milk/yogurt/coconut milk and pour into the paste and stir then cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. . Add in the deep fried fish and cook further for like 10 minutes. . Serve hot with either Ugali or Rice

National Council For Persons With Disabilities Background

• Provision of assistive devices and services to persons with disabilities to The National Council for Persons with enable them live an independent life with Disabilities provides a wide range of dignity. services aimed at empowering persons with disabilities. The Council was established in 2004 by an Act of Parliament, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2003. Through the Act, the Council is mandated as a government agency to mainstream disability in all sectors of development through various programmes and services.

Programmes and services offered by the Council

B tion meeting in za ti si n e S 1. albinism persons with

• Provision of education scholarship grants to assist persons with disabilities to access education and training. • Provisions of grants to groups of persons with disabilities to enable them engage in economic activities to earn them sustainable livelihoods. • Equipment and infrastructure support to institutions of education and training for persons with disabilities. 2. Provision of Cash transfer funds to poor households with persons with severe disabilities.

10. Facilitating persons with disabilities to access tax exemption on income tax and custom duty on assistive device.

For more information, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities can be contacted at its offices along Kabete Orthopaedic Compound along Waiyaki Way on the address below. P.O. Box 66577 - 00800 Nairobi Tel: 020 2314621/2375994/ 0716598898 Email: ncpwds@africaonline.co.ke Website: www.ncpwd.go.ke The Council has also offices in all the Counties

ungoma for

The services offered by the Council include:

1. National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities established as a permanent Fund for the benefit of persons with disabilities in Kenya. The fund is administered by the Council through a Board of trustees. Under the Fund, the Council implements a number of programmes targeted at improving the welfare of persons with disabilities. These are;

3. Support to persons with Albinism through procurement and lotions, sun protective gears such as reading glasses, brim hats, gloves, long sleeved T-shirts, campaigns on cancer awareness, cancer treatment and security of persons with albinism. 4. Registration of persons with disabilities and organizations of/for persons with disabilities. 5. Mainstreaming disability in all national development 6. Training and building the capacity of organizations for persons with disabilities to improve their capacity to implement the economic empowerment projects.

the heel chairs by W f o s n o ti a n es to Do 2. with Disabiliti s n o rs e P r fo l ci National Coun nal Hospital o ti Kenyatta Na

g sitting abilities playin is d h it w s n o Pers 3. a volleyb ll

7. Assisting persons with disabilities to secure 5% of employment opportunities in the private and public sectors as provided for in the Constitution of Kenya and Persons with Disability Act 2003. 8. Facilitating persons with disabilities access justice. 9. Raising public awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities to reduce discrimination and promote inclusion.

lacked the basics from sun screens to good clothes. Though I was not able to play with other kids outside because of the sun, my parents and siblings lavished me with love and took great care of me.

From Conquering the Odds of Albinism in Tanzania to an Icon of Hope

ruth be told, society can be so unforgiving, especially where diversity is involved. There are so many myths surrounding albinism and growing in a society like Tanzania comes with its own set of challenges. Hon Graceanna Damiano Kavishe, takes us through the story of her life. How she has fought odds to be where she is: an example that success is possible for the persistent and courageous irrespective of the odds, and above all an icon of hope for Tanzanians living with Albinism.

Briefly tell us about yourself. My name is Graciana Damiano Kavici, a 29

years old Tanzanian. I am a forth born in a family of five; three brothers and one sister. We live in Moshi, though my parents hail from Dodoma, where we spent the better part of our lives. I am the only one with Albinism in our family.

How was it growing up in Tanzania?

Growing up with albinism was made bearable by the fact that my parents were educated and knew what to do to take care of me. I never

retaliate physically and also insult them too. With age I became more tolerant and strong with the discrimination and would challenge people’s beliefs without having to get physical. I also accepted the reality that some people will never understand the struggle people with albinism go At school it was a bit challenging. For the longest through. All in all my family and my immediate time, I could not see what the teachers wrote on community have been very supportive and the blackboard, so I resulted to copying notes showed me great love. from my classmates. More so, the classes also had big windows which would let in the sunrays We have read and watched news of consequently affecting my eyesight. My parents persons with albinism being sold out for tried talking to the teachers about my condition witchcraft purposes. How is the situation but never bore any fruits. . As a result, my parents had to buy me a personal desk, which I could move now? Are there ways the Government has to the front of the class. However, things turned intervened? The sad reality is that most people born with out different when I joined the university, to my albinism in Tanzania come from poor families. It reprieve. goes without saying that, consequently, they can’t I have a bachelor’s degree in Business afford health care, education, and other social Administration and this has helped me compete services. This often means their situation remains for various job positions. At some point I also the same year in year out. got involved in politics. Last year in the general However, the enactment of The Persons with elections, I vied for the Member of Parliament for special needs though I did not get enough Disabilities Act, 2010 has enabled persons with votes. I later contested for Ward Councilor, special disabilities to acquire employment opportunities. seats representing women under the Chama Cha This is because; section 31(2) of the Act requires every employer with twenty employees and Mapinduzi (CCM) ticket and I got elected. above to reserve a 3% of jobs to persons with Let’s talk about your childhood? Did you disabilities, based on a quota system. Being in politics, has given me the opportunity to raise experience any form of discrimination while issues on the policies touching the people living growing up? with disabilities. For instance we have had Although I went to school with my other meetings with Members of Parliament, who have siblings, I have in several instances experienced disabilities to discuss on the way forward for discrimination on different levels. This led to me persons with disabilities. The society has started being taken and picked from school because to understand and accommodate people with other students would bully and even beat me. albinism and other disabilities. The Civil Society Some teachers would also think that I was and Disabled Peoples Organizations in Tanzania creating excuses when I would excuse myself have been on the forefront in advocating for from engaging in outdoor activities. There are persons with disabilities. Instances students would surround me, insult me, and mock me, because of my skin color. But However, I must admit that persons with my headmistress would intervene and warn albinism and their families are still living in the students from insulting me with the dire fear because witchcraft is still practiced. I have consequences if they persisted. devoted myself through my blog http://www. graciekav.blogspot.com to create the necessary I have been branded names like ‘zeruzeru’, awareness that it is not right to kill a human being ‘whitie’ , ‘pesa’ and all that. As a child I found out of some barbaric and retrogressive cultures these names very hurting to the point I would

Bottom line is that people are ignorant when it comes to differentiating between myths and facts in relation to disability. There is a lot of ignorance when it comes to albinism and there is no cure for

ignorance, unfortunately. However, tabling down facts and educating the society to differentiate between facts and myths will go a long way in conquering this monster.

Here are some facts about Albinism that everyone should be aware of

that are not true. The need to blog came out of skin cancer which is attributed to the deleterious a need to be a role model to children and people effects of the sun rays. with albinism. On stereotypes: there are beliefs surrounding What are the major challenges/stereotypes persons with albinism, for instance: that when you that persons with albinism are facing are HIV positive and you have sexual intercourse with a person with albinism you become negative, currently in Tanzania? which is not true. Or if you have friendship with Every person with albinism has their own story a person with albinism your business will attract and their challenges are unique in their own. customers again this is not true but a mere myth. However, challenges are still there; from killings and threats of death to witchdoctors still telling We are also looked down upon by the society, people to get body parts of persons with albinism like weaklings. People still look at us, as though for rituals. People with albinism are still called we are not fit to be at certain places, or even work. names and denied opportunities in leadership and Even though you are economically empowered, or employment. This emanates from the beliefs that you have fought for a position, which you have our disabilities make our bodies incapacitated, every right to enjoy, the society still treats you consequently making us unable to work. The like an outsider. The society has not yet accepted system of education does not accommodate that a person with albinism is only impaired on the persons with albinism too. Though there are skin. special schools, the lack of books with large prints to assist persons with albinism to read is still a big challenge. Most people with albinism have

Fact 1: The term ‘albinism’ is derived from the Latin word, ‘Albus’, which means ‘white’. There are two types of albinism: • Oculocutaneous Albinism • Ocular Albinism Fact 2: Albinism does not affect the life span of a person; in fact, people affected by albinism tend to live longer. Fact 3: Albinism is a genetic disorder that is inherited from at least one parent. Although it creates changes in a person’s appearance, albinism doesn’t have any negative health effects in a majority of cases. Fact 4: The “white” appearance that comes from albinism is due to a lack of melanin. This also means that people with albinism have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Fact 5: Though Albinism is often untreatable, it is not contagious, nor can it be transferred from person to person through blood transfusion, dermal contact, or via vector (pathogen carrying organism), etc. The growth and development of a person with albinism is the same as that of a normal individual. Fact 6: Albinism can cause Eye Problems Fact 7: Albinism and sun do not mix. Fact 8: Albinism is a genetic mutation that can occur in every living thing on the planet today.

6. Talking of challenges, how have you managed to overcome?

I have the best support system in the world - my family. My father, who passed away, was a gentleman. He inspired me. He would tell me that I am brave, intelligent and that I could do it.

7. What would you advice parents of children with disabilities in Tanzania?

Disability is not inability. Children with albinism maybe impaired on their skin, eyes and hair, but their minds do not have any disability. Hence they are capable of doing what a person without disability can do. Everyone should just use the gift God has given them.

8. Parting Shot

Persons with disabilities should love themselves first; it begins with self acceptance so that the society is able to accept you and even if the society doesn’t self love gives the energy to forge ahead. By Linda Wachira

We Were Rejected Motherhood is a blessing, it has been, and will always be the greatest gift to humanity. It doesn’t get any easier if your child turns out to have a disability. And at times the society around us doesn’t seem to see beyond the taboos and theories of why a child has a disability. But forget that, there are still golden souls, unsung heroes, angels in disguise; who embrace motherhood with grace and love. Here is a story of Joyce Njeri a mother of two, as she takes us through her journey in raising a child with disability.

Where do you take her for therapy / school?

At UBUNTU School – which is near our office hence am able to check on her in between the week.

How has UBUNTU school program helped you?

Tell us about your family

My name is Joyce Njeri, a mother of two beautiful daughters Tabitha Wanjiku and Regina Muthoni. I am a resident of Maai Mahiu where I work at a department of UBUNTU Life Foundation called UBUNTU Made – a social enterprise that makes and exports an assortment of handmade products, varying from canvas products to beaded leather. Tabitha is 11 years old and Regina is 4 years old. Tabitha is the first born and she is a special needs child whom we love, she attends UBUNTU School program a school under the UBUNTU Life Foundation, while Regina the second born attends a regular school.

for Tabitha, the school enables her interact with other kids, something which is rare in our home environment. This has had her grow socially because despite her not being able to see, she has become used to having new people around her, holding her hands, talking to her, playing with her and feeding her. I have realized that she doesn’t cry anymore like she used to when I first brought her to the school. It’s almost like she doesn’t miss me as much…he he (she jokes) As for the therapy, since I now understand my daughter’s condition, my expectations have become more realistic and I now celebrate the little joys and strides my little girl makes. I am excited by her being able to follow the sound of a shaker accurately using her hand and her efforts to hold up her body even when her muscles sometimes let her down. I recommend occupational therapy for any child who needs it, because it is indeed very beneficial.

Tabitha likes laughing and feels comfortable when around other people. She is fully dependent on her mother for everything, this is caused by her blindness and cerebral palsy both of which limit her ability to move her body as she would like. Occupational Therapy is gradually enabling her learn to move and use her arms in play. Tabitha depends on her ears and hands to connect with the world around her. She has made tremendous improvement since she joined UBUNTU School program. I am very cooperative with the therapist and school staff and also appreciative of the efforts the school employs in supporting Tabitha.

Tell us more about Tabitha

Tabitha was born without any problem, and she grew well just like any child. But at the age of 3 years and 6 month she suffered Meningitis that advanced to nervous system, she was hospitalized for one month and regressed this led her to acquiring cerebral palsy which also left her visually impaired. She could no longer talk, sit up, stand, walk or feed herself.

What has God taught you through Tabitha?

The program offers therapy services, structured learning, nutritional support and psychosocial support for the parents. It a safe space for Tabitha and other children with special needs. I am able to be productive at work because I know my child is safe and well taken care of. The school has also helped many other parents in the area who have children with disability; it has demystified myths associated with disability. Through the parents psychosocial support meetings – it offers emotional support and encouragement, especially when we meet as a group of mum’s we share stories and laugh at the changes that have taken place in our lives after having children with special needs.

What progress have you seen in your child since she joined UBUNTU School?

The school has been a refuge for me and my dear daughter. Since no one wanted to stay with my child unless I paid them, I am now able to go to work knowing my child is well catered for. As

His unconditional love never dies – He loves us all equally and that everything happens for a reason, all I’m sure is that Tabitha is a gift from God to me.

What challenges do you face raising a child with special needs? There is social stigma to having a child with disability. Even family and neighbors members still view disability as a taboo, they do not want to associate with you or their children to play with your child thinking that your child will infect theirs. (Sadly) The father of my daughter left me because he could not cope with our daughter’s condition. Anybody can become disabled at any time and that having a child with special needs is not somebody’s choice and it is not a curse like 0some people in the community believe. Tabitha also requires a lot of finances to cater for her medical bills and care.

What concerns do you have for your child’s future?

What do you tell other mum’s raising a child with special needs?

I am very concerned about Tabitha’s future, To love and care for their children well – because the older she is becoming the more she every child is a gift from God. And seek help / is regressing. I do not know what support there intervention early so as to be able to care for is apart from rehabilitation, she is becoming your child. heavier to carry on my back and when am not around no one is able offer her care and support. By Muthii Wa Wachira She is fully dependent on me meaning she cannot able to do anything for herself. She also has recurrent bowel movement problems resulting in frequent spells of constipation. I have had to get her hospitalized several times when it gets severe. Since her feet are weak, she needs ankle foot orthotics – these are special shoes that will keep her legs from bending inwards as they progressively do because of her condition.

have been job hunting for a while, below are tips which I would like to share with you all. Do not despair if your job search is taking longer than expected. Remember, looking for a job is a job in itself and so preparation is key.

Job Adverts Tips

Always read the Job Description and more important, the Job Qualifications. The qualifications information will detail the level of experience, education, and skills required for the role. The information contained under Qualifications is crucial! Most people focus more on the job description and simply glance at the Qualifications – this is a big mistake.

Cover Letter Tips

A CV should always be accompanied by a cover letter, unless the employer says otherwise. However, please note an important fact: Your covering letter supports your CV —it does not repeat it! Furthermore, your covering letter should not exceed one (A4) page and resist the temptation to write an essay – use bullet points to outline your skills/qualifications/achievements and so forth. I cannot emphasize enough, how important covering letters are. [If you are applying Online i.e. application form then clearly this rule does not apply although there will be section(s) in which you will have to write about yourself so if you already have a good covering letter, then you can use the content Online too].

Other points to note:

AfricaTalentbank.com (ATB), is a Digital Recruitment, Entrepreneurship, Training, and Mentorship company that utilizes Web, Mobile applications, Social Media and Video to identify, train and recruit top talent on behalf of our clients & partners who range from fast growth start-ups to multinationals in sectors including: FMCGs, Mining, Management Consulting, Legal, Banking and, Venture Capital. Whether you are looking for tips on entering the corporate world, start a business or, looking

for a mentor, then download ATBChat, our Android app available FREE from Google Play and get daily tips.

Tips on Job Adverts, Cover Letters and, CVs By Miriam Mukasa, MD - AfricaTalentbank.com (ATB) Whether you are starting your job search or,

• A careless covering letter reflects a careless you. And who wants to hire someone like that? • Covering letters set the tone of an application, and should inspire the reader to turn over enthusiastically and read the enclosed CV. • Imagine opening a book on page one and enthusiastically turning over to page two; this is what your covering letter should inspire the HR manager to do. After all, he/she may have already read more than 100 covering letters, most of which have not addressed how or why that particular candidate is suitable for

the role. HR managers will be impressed by a professional, typo free, covering letter which (even in bullet point form), addresses how the candidate meets the qualifications for the post and outlining their suitability for this role. • You should then detail these qualifications in your CV not your covering letter. You can touch on them in your Covering Letter. • Be brief and concise. Use simple words and phrases and keep sentences short. In other words, use ‘plain English’. • Avoid using words to describe yourself, and instead, describe your accomplishments. • Clarify critical issues (gaps in work experience, quick job changes etc) that you may feel is likely to impact the hiring manager’s decision. In terms of template, your Covering Letter should have the following:

•

An Introduction - Introduce yourself

and then your degree and classification achieved/expected. Mention relevant, professional qualification for example, if you are applying for an accountancy position and you are CPA qualified or are now at Level 3, then mention this fact. • Your interest in the job - Talk about how interested you are in the position and the organization itself. Is the company expanding operations into Kenya or Africa? Have they been in the news lately? Has the company launched a new product? Mention positive things and show the recruiting manager that you have done your research. • Qualifications for the Role - Touch on how you meet the Qualifications as set out in the job advert i.e. I believe I am suitable for this role for the reasons outlined below: then bullet point how you meet each qualification marked as Essential as these are ‘Must Haves’ i.e. if you haven’t got these skills or qualifications, then you are unlikely to be shortlisted. If it is a Desirable i.e. ‘Useful to Have’ and you also have these, then by all means, touch on these too, if not, then simply focus on the Essential qualifications.

•

Strengths - Show off your non academic

strengths and/or achievements i.e. leadership skills, positions of responsibility, sports i.e. captain of winning football team etc Companies like a ‘well rounded’ candidates. • Signing off (valediction) - Remember, for each style of salutation (greeting) there is an accompanying style of complimentary close, known as valediction. For example, when your salutation is Dear Sir/madam, then you sign off as you ‘Yours faithfully’. When your letter is addressed to a named person i.e. Dear Mr Njoroge/Dear Mrs Okinyi, then you sign off as ‘Yours sincerely’. NOTE – Never, start covering letters or emails to recruiting managers using Hi, or Hello! This is disrespectful and over familiar and unfortunately, is becoming far too common these days. So stand out from other applicants by ensuring your letter is formal, polite, respectful and professional.

CV Tips Your CV is your marketing piece and calling card to an organization. It is your only chance to make a first impression on those in charge of hiring or declining to hire you. Your CV should have quantitative and precise achievements and results and ideally, should not exceed 2 pages. As a recent graduate or anyone with less than two years work experience, there is no reason for your CV to exceed two pages. HR managers are busy and if your CV is too long then you risk waffling. Other useful tips: • SPELL CHECK!!! - Take pride in your work. There is no excuse in submitting a CV or Cover Letter littered with spelling mistakes. This shows carelessness and a lack of pride in your work. Indeed, some managers would not even go as far as reading your CV, if your covering letter contained silly, careless mistakes, including incorrect spelling of the company name. • KIS - Keep It Simple – CVs should be kept simple, tidy, professional looking and only PLAIN English should be used. Using long words unnecessarily, in the hope of trying to impress an HR manager can backfire especially if English

is not your first language, and you end up using long words in the wrong context. Also, don’t be over technical or use slang or jargon. • Use active and not passive verbs In other words, use strong, active verbs that present your skills and abilities in a few words by using quantitative and precise achievements and results. See examples below: 1. Boosted sales revenue from KSh 100,000 to KSh 2 million in two years 2. Increased customer satisfaction levels from 20% to 60% 3. Developed dynamic staff motivation program that produced record-setting performance increases. • Email Addresses - We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have professional email addresses for use in your job search i.e. first name.surname@xx.com. Be professional – an email address such as handsomeman@xxx.com may impress your friends, but is unlikely to impress an HR manager. • Voicemails - The same goes for voicemails as with emails – keep it professional. Keep your outgoing voice-mail message simple and avoid using introductory jingles (music). There is nothing more annoying than trying to contact a candidate to invite them to interview only to have to listen to one minute of a rambling voice-mail message or worse, music (whatever the genre), before they pick up the phone or you are able to leave a message. You may think you have the best taste in music, but a busy HR manager will not necessarily agree. To get tips on job hunting, corporate careers or, life as an entrepreneur, download ATBChat (FREE) from Google Play or via this link http://goo.gl/ eDZtlT Africa talent bank contact: email: enquiries@Africatalentbank.com 0729254573/+4479399026749 Facebook Africa.Talents.com limited Twitter @ATBhq

E H T G SCALIN S T H G I E H C I M ACADE

As a child of an under-privileged peasant farmer growing up in the village under abject poverty, I “You shall be the light of this home” You never vividly remember many friends and relatives who really know what power words hold. But these visited us, observing how a totally blind child ran words, turned out prophetic to one Samuel Ochieng’ Odawa. He has not only turned out to be a light to his home, but the entire society. Samuel takes us through his journey, experiences, miracles, as he soars the echelons of academic success. His, is a voice of hope, deep insight on what can be done, ought to be done to make the lives of persons living with disabilities better than they are.

y name is Samuel Ochieng’ Odawo, the ninth-born son to Zachariah and Patricia Odawo. I am a 38 year old Kenyan male, born and bred in Ndere Alego, Siaya District (now Siaya County), Kenya. Owing to a measles attack at the age of six months, I became totally blind and consequently enrolled to St. ODAS School for the blind sponsored by Rosa Mystica Sisters, then attended Kenyatta University and became the first person in my family to attain a university education. Today, I hold a bachelor’s degree in education arts (special education and French language), and I am able to speak, as well as write English, French, Kiswahili and Dholuo languages.

about the compound with great ease, dodging trees and houses while negotiating very sharp corners, and referred to me as “hono”—a word in my local language Dholuo meaning “miracle.” Little did I know this was a foretelling of the numerous challenges I would face as the only blind child in our village and it would take nothing short of a miracle for me to excel in my life, education, and career. My now late mother, Patricia, despite being illiterate, would emerge to be my greatest pillar of strength and a relentless source of unrelenting hope. Barely able to fluently speak Kiswahili, the national language in Kenya, she struggled to understand the announcement over the radio of a special school built by missionaries in Siaya district and purposed to do all in her power to get me enrolled there for my primary education. When I reached high school and in particular

room—“you shall be the light of this home!”—I firmly resolved to confront and conquer my life’s challenges and become that light. I now had to totally depend on friends and wellwishers for bus fare and take myself to school located approximately 200 KM from Nakuru town where I stayed with my eldest brother. By the time I completed high school I owed the school in arrears KSH 45,560, but got a reprieve when there was change of government and the new administration canceled all the arrears owed by students nationwide. Later, after completing my degree at Kenyatta University, I owed the university 139,000 Kenya shillings in arrears, which I paid through a bank loan once I got employment. My education from primary school to university was hence a miracle. After campus I taught in the largest refugee camp in the world; the Dadaab refugee camp with Care International in Kenya. In 2014 I was honored to receive the Care Humanitarian Award, from Care Canada for my work at the Dadaab refugee camp. For me, service to humanity is service to my Creator. I harbor a profound love and unquenchable passion for the proper and full empowerment of mankind. I firmly believe that no man or woman is a reject; every individual is immensely endowed with potentials that often go untapped. This is particularly so with regard to people who are blind or visually impaired—a vital group of society which is most close to my heart. Therefore, I am on a mission to empower this group of people by training and mentoring them to be independent, productive, and self-reliant.

Getting to Birmingham

Last year, I won a Chevening Scholarship to study a Masters programme in management of special education in developing countries at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. I am the first blind person from Kenya to have in form two, all my parents’ efforts to keep me received this scholarship since its establishment in school were fruitless as they failed to get the in 1983. required school fees. Powered by a prophetic prayer that one of my grandfathers once offered me declaring before everyone gathered in the

Living Abroad

Life in the UK is more disability-friendly. The environment is mostly barrier-free hence, persons with disabilities are enabled and empowered to live their lives to the fullest. It is therefore easier for them to be independent, productive and selfreliant. For instance, every road has a walk path for pedestrians, traffic lights are friendly with alert sounds to enable the blind to know when it is safe to cross the road, there are rumps and tactile to ease movement and people take cognoscenti of the white cane. Furthermore, the transport system is disability-friendly and persons with disabilities can also go shopping with ease. What I love most is the education system which is very accommodative for persons with disabilities. There is provision of adapted technology (equipment and materials) needed by persons with disabilities to enhance learning. Also, persons with disabilities are matched with a support worker of their choice to help with note taking, study assistance, sight guide etc. all this is funded by the government. I never even dare dream of this in Kenya! Moreover, all the learning resources are always available in accessible format. Being in the UK has given me a chance to live my life to the fullest.

Challenges and Thorns

Getting to where I am today, my quest for good education has been a mixture of different experiences; which in one way or the other have shaped my view of the world. I have faced a myriad of challenges in my quest for a good education; including lack of school fees, inadequate learning resources in accessible format, (for instance, while studying for my undergraduate at Kenyatta university, I had to depend on volunteers to read for me books as all of them were in print), an unfriendly learning environment, restrictions of what a person with disability can learn, stigma and discrimination etc. But these were a foundation for me to get to where I am and a basis for thanksgiving.

Future Plans

I am passionate about empowering persons with disabilities to be independent, productive and self-reliant. Upon completing my masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree here in the UK, I will be able to use my acquired knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the education of persons with disabilities with special interest to the children with disabilities in Kenya and the world at large. I am a firm believer in social justice and will therefore push relentlessly for the inclusion of the most marginalized in education. I plan to effectively use the wide network I have been able to acquire, thanks to the Chevening scholarship, to help establish a training centre that will seek to impart knowledge and skills to persons with disabilities. An organization of persons with disabilities which I founded, is currently working jointly with other partners and stakeholders, to design and implement a mentorship program that will target children with disabilities across Africa. Plans are also underway to register my consulting firm for profitable business in my area of expertise. Beyond my professional career, I am a motivational speaker. I contribute to the empowerment and advocacy for persons with disabilities with knowledge of their rights and role in the development of Kenya, and consequently, to be able to achieve equal participation without discrimination. The principle of inclusion is in line with the Kenyan constitution and other relevant laws and conventions, both domestic and international. In keeping with the spirit and letter of the Kenyan Constitution on information access to all, I have helped in the formulation of the disability mainstreaming policy, 2011, for the then Ministry of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons and in the translation of Customer Service Charters for some Governments. Given my insatiable appetite for knowledge, I plan to pursue my PHD studies.

Word of Advice

Life is not a straight path. It has no formula for success. However, in order to succeed, you need a goal, passion, determination, hope and focus. Let the joy of success always supersede the fear of failure. If you believe it, live it. Above all, put all your trust in God for guidance

How about Mentorship?

While in primary and secondary school, I always looked up to those a class or two ahead of me as role models; especially those who were intelligent and well behaved. Since my time at the University and in my career life, I have always had people with whom I consult and seek advice from as needs arise. In this list, I have had my family members, friends and colleagues. Above all, I wholly trust in God for guidance and I hold the bible as my standard measurement of priorities and values in life. Mentorship is important and I strongly recommend it for anyone out there who desires to prosper in whatever they do.

Facing Tough Times

I am powered by my unquenchable zeal to excel in life, the sacrifice made by my late beloved mother to ensure I received education and the desire to provide the best for my family as well as positively impact my world. I am forever grateful to my God, my beloved wife Margaret Njiru, my late mum, Chevening and all who have supported me to this far. Education system in Kenya versus Persons with Disabilities Education of persons with disabilities in Kenya has greatly evolved and significant progress has been made. Nonetheless, a lot still remain to be desired.

In particular, there is need to do more in order to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Furthermore, effective steps should be taken to increase the enrolment of children with disabilities into schools and appropriate educational interventions put in place for them. This can be done by having in place a properly working mechanism for screening and assessing children with disabilities with a view of placing them in relevant educational institutions. There is need to involve persons with disabilities when designing and implementing programs and strategies geared to enhance the education and the overall living standards of persons with disabilities. Adequate resources need to be allocated by the Kenyan government to help realize disability mainstreaming as provided for in the constitution. Public-private partnership approach is always a viable option of enhancing success towards this end.

Parents of children with special needs

Value every child you receive in equal measure. They are a gift from God, their impairment notwithstanding. Give them your all at home and at school, and you will be sure to reap the fruits in full.

By Linda Wachira

Y T I L I B A S I D D E R I U Q AC u do? What would yo

What would you do if the world walked out on you and left you with nothing to hold on but a fleeting hope that someday, and I mean someday the pain would go? What would you do?

and disillusioned. My aunt was very disappointed in me but she kept me. One year after giving birth, I decided to go to Nairobi, to seek employment. I left my young daughter in the care of my aunt.

My name is Catherine Mukiri and this is my While working as a house help I met this young story. I lost my mother at a very tender age and handsome man who I fell in love with and things from then; me and my siblings, went to live with looked bright. There was finally hope of a happy future. However, this didn’t last long. While five months pregnant, I started experiencing strong back pains and within no time I could not walk or stand on my own. I was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital and this became the turning point of my life. The doctors diagnosed me with a tumor on my back and since I was pregnant, there was nothing much that could be done. The doctors prescribed bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy. By God’s grace, I got my baby through cesarean. However, I was not discharged immediately from the hospital, and that saw me stay at the hospital for three months. After three months in hospital, my son was put under the care of my in-laws. The doctors tried all they could but after six months they let me go to convalesce at home. I was disappointed with the news that I could no longer walk, that I was forever confined to a wheelchair. Three months later, after leaving hospital, my husband seemed to have a change of heart. His love for me seemed to wane with every passing day. He was under a lot of pressure from his family to let me go since I had officially turned to a liability. One evening, he came home drunk and beat me senselessly. The following morning, he brought a taxi and instructed the driver to take me to where I would show them. He further told me that the baby was his since I was incapable of taking care of his child.

what lies ahead: what awaits us with every break of ife is a gift, and with it comes puzzles and dawn, every passing second. Here is a heart rending mysteries that we will never decipher; story, of life’s twists, pain, mistakes, betrayal and questions why and why not. For instance why does despair. What would you do if you found yourself life hand some people silver and gold and others in the middle of a whirlwind of desolation and lemons, thorns and pain. The sad thing however, hopelessness? is that we are deprived the knowledge of knowing

my paternal aunt. I had a turbulent childhood, and trouble seemed for follow me. At age fifteen, after sitting for KCPE, I got pregnant. The father of my childhood, a young handsome man who had promised me heaven disappeared, with the claims he was too young to start a family. His disappearance left me confused

Life has never been the same again since I left my husband’s home. My aunt who had been taking care of us when we were young got married. I resulted to living in the small house where she used to live. I have never received any other medical attention. The tumor that had caused my incapacitation is still growing and the pain is excruciating. I rarely get a decent meal. It is as if

the world has abandoned me. Sometimes I ask myself what is the essence of life anyway. But all I have held unto is hope. That one day I will wake up and my life will be better. That someday I will get enough money to undergo surgery. I hold to the hope that someday I might be able to walk on my two feet again. Every morning when I push my wheelchair out of the house to bask in the beautiful sun, I hope and pray that one day I will forget my pains, get proper medication, and pick up my broken pieces. My daughter comes to see me once in a while. Her eyes are filled with so much hope and expectation. I watch her painfully knowing that I have nothing to offer her but my love. I am grateful that I was privileged to experience a life with and without a disability. For that I have a basket full of lessons. I share this story with my society from these shoes I wear today. I ask myself would life have been much easier if the society treated persons with disabilities much differently. , I have heard all sorts of explanations on how I acquired my disability. I hear people allude that I was bewitched or I must have committed some sort of crime while I was working in Nairobi, I remain judged for things am not aware of. Disability isn’t the worst thing that happened to me rather the rejection; I have received form the very society that is supposed to hold me in my worst. I’m not suffering today because I can’t walk; rather it is because I have not received the necessary support that would make my life better, tolerable and much meaningful again. There is always a thin line between disability and poverty, for instance when I had a job, I could get all I needed without depending on anyone. The contrast is so clear now: I have no decent living, I have to beg for everything. I have no privacy as a woman because if I ask for money I will have to explain why I need the money. Sometimes all I need is unconditional love and not sorry looks. Just a smile in the morning, a call of concern, I am still

ABILITY AFRICA MAGAZINE

human I may not get visits from my relatives and friends as before but that courtesy call reminds me that someone somewhere cares. Today I live on hand outs, what if I was empowered with skills or a business that I can have a regular source of income, I could easily forget my disability and earn a living like any other person. On motherhood: I have two children, I can’t provide the basic needs for them and therefore they would rather be with someone else who can, but speaking for women with disabilities I would say as much as possible women with disabilities deserves the joy of motherhood.

receives nternational Recognition in the uk

As I conclude, I am not blaming my disability on anyone, am voicing out the plights of persons with disabilities especially in the rural areas. Sometimes I hear on the Radio about what persons with disabilities are getting we don’t know how to go about it ,who to contact, sometimes even that registration processes so that we get national council for persons with disabilities membership is tedious . I thank God for social media that has opened me up to the society. Through Facebook I learnt about (WARD) Women and Realities of Disability Society who have showed me sisterhood. I have also read the Ability Africa magazine, where I have found stories and experiences of other persons with disabilities and the feeling that I’m not alone makes it bearable. I’m more networked and empowered and there is a hope of better tomorrow for me and other forgotten persons with disabilities.

By Muthii Wa Wachiira

Ability Models

1: Sauda Bashir Looks by Kash

Dressed by self Career : Customer Experience Executive limited.

at Safaricom

Nature of Disability :

physical disability out of polio

QUOTE:

Try before saying you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. You have no excuse not to look good,a smile can get you through anything.

3: Eva Mueni

2: Lydiah Iregi

Looks by Kash Dressed by self

Career :

Nature of disability:

Paralympian and Theatric performer .

Physical, out of road accident Career : Customer Experience executive at safaricom limited. My inspiration shonda rhimes ,american film and book writer

Nature of Disability : Cerebral palsy

QUOTE:

Disability is the inability to see Ability

QUOTE:

You can waste your life drawing lines or you can live your life crossing them.

Legendary Voice for God’s Glory Mary Atieno H

er simple demeanor may make her pass for any ordinary visually impaired lady, but here is a legend; a music icon in the Kenyan gospel scene. Her music career spans for over three decades and still going strong. She reminds us of the amazing power God has granted unto us; and the beauty of diversity. Meet Mary Atieno Otiende as she shares her triumphs, conquering disability, and her journey to fame, emerging one of the most respected and sought for gospel musician in Kenya and beyond.

promising God that if He healed her, she would serve Him for the rest of her life. “Several tests thereafter, the doctors were astonished to find that my heart was very healthy. It is at that point that I decided to give my life to Jesus, I got born again,”

Musical Journey

Sodoma Na Gomorrah, which propelled her to instant fame. In 2004 she released another album “Njooni Tumsifu” which topped the charts for two years running.

Challenges as a person with disability:

Apart from teaching and singing; Mary and her husband started a church in Kayole. She also tours different churches sharing words of encouragement to the congregation, her motivation being the hope she found in Christ. “It is the Lord through his Son Jesus Christ who gives me the strength to face the challenges of every passing day.

In Spite of her fame, her social life was greatly affected. The university was so expansive that she was unable to move from the numerous lecture halls to the hostels of residence. Unlike the lower levels of education where help was always ready, she found herself a loner. She had to look for help whenever she needed it. She also had to look for someone to help her read the many literature and religious studies books as her studies demanded.

Future plans:

Career, family and fame:

Music industry comes with its own bunch of challenges too, and being a person with disability does not make things any easier. “The major challenge I have faced in my music

Though she was quite apprehensive when she started her teaching career at Buruburu Girls’

Mary plans to start her own recording studio with the aim of mentoring young upcoming musicians. Currently she is working on her next album to be launched soon.

Challenges:

While in high school, she started to sing with the renowned Reuben Kigame. She later became the Growing up head of a 30-students choir called Starlight. The group sung and composed many songs which orn in 1961 in Kirengo village, Karungu they sung at school and beyond. in Migori County; Mary recounts her “I remember a certain time when we were invited challenging childhood having been born in a to sing in a state function by the then president polygamous family. Her father Francis Yara, who Daniel Arap Moi. The songs we sung that day; was a school headmaster, had two wives with Furahini Wakenya and Twaipenda Kenya became Mary’s mother being the eldest. instant hits getting unprecedented airplay in the “My parents did not know that I was visually then Voice of Kenya now KBC.” impaired till I was five months old.” Like any other concerned parents, they took Mary later joined Kenyatta University where she her to The King George hospital now Kenyatta studied a Bachelors of Education degree. While in hospital but all was in vain. Although education the university, she joined the university choir and for the girl child was not taken seriously in those composed many gospel and patriotic songs which days, her parents went against the trend and took they sang during all university and state functions. her to St. Oda Aluor School for the Blind where she She remembers at one point, the then president started school as well as her music career. Moi bought the whole choir uniform for their great Trouble struck in 1977 when she was diagnosed music. All these happenings were working for her with a heart condition. After conducting several good towards her success in music. tests on her, the doctors could not diagnose Shortly before her graduation, she joined the anything. The sixteen year old Mary never lost International Fellowship for Christ IFC choir which hope but clung to Jesus. She turned to prayer saw her release her first songs like Adamu Na Eva,

career is the piracy menace. School in the 80s, where she now teaches Christian In addition, shooting a good quality video has also Religious Education and English Literature; Mary become extremely expensive,” shares her joys and thrills of her teaching career. “The students and teachers received me well and have never discriminated me for my disability. Parting Shot: The school administrators have also been very supportive” Mary’s word to people intending to get into music, especially gospel musicians: ”The secret to staying Her music has found her touring different countries on top of the music charts is in getting grounded in the world, from East African countries, to in the gospel which comes through continued Europe and the USA. reading of the bible, putting all your trust in God Mary is happily married, “I am married to and recording gospel music in gospel studios. Pastor Alex Ominde and we are blessed with three beautiful children; Melody, Harmony and By Muthii Wa Wachiira Precious.”

LESSONS OF LIFE….

Confidence Building Tips

special occasion, today is the special occasion. Over the years I have come to believe that I am in charge of my own happiness. It is an inside job. I no longer care what others think of me, if living in an empty mud house is what makes me happy, I will go for it, the rest is about you and you are you and I am me. What other people think of me is none of my business. Time heals almost everything, I always give time time, and it has worked wonders for me, thanks to time. Even the heaviest of all rains eventually ceases and the darkest of all nights gives way to day light. However good or bad a situation is, it will change, nothing last forever. get out every day, miracles await me learn t I don’t have to win every argument, everywhere. There is a super power in control neither do I have to attend every argument I and never fails us. am invited to. Agree to disagree. Life has taught me that envy is a waste of time, I always cry with someone who cares, it’s more I and you already have all we need and best is yet healing than crying alone, however I am careful to come. who this person is, not everyone deserve to see On any day, it does not matter how you feel, get my tears. up, dress up and show up for the occasion. Life is Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up what we make of it. the present, it is so past you, concentrate on today and tomorrow, it is of more value that yesterday. have learn t and made it my culture to never A lesson well learn t is not to compare my life underestimate the pain of a person, because to others, I have no idea what their journey is all in all honesty, everyone is struggling in their own about, what is meant to be will be, and what is way. We all feel differently, what is pain to us is never meant to be will never come. Relax and wait not necessarily pain to others, however we need for your time. If the door doesn’t open, move to to understand and not undermine their feeling. the next, that’s probably not your door. Some people are better at hiding it than others. Respect to that is important. have learn t that everything can change in the We all deserve honesty, transparency, blink of an eye, but sought not to worry, that’s someone who respects us enough to never lie, the way life is and I can’t change it. I live life as it we deserve appreciation and loyalty. We deserve someone who would never abuse our trust, we unfolds. I find life too short for long pity parties I get deserve love. We all deserve someone who would busy living it and not busy dying. still be there for us even when everyone else has A writer writes, if you want to be a writer, write. walked away. We deserve someone who’s REAL. Do what you wanna do in life and stop the talk We should never settle for less. We deserve to be with no action. Start now. When it comes to going that person to each one of us. We get what we after what you love in life, don’t take no for an give. answer. MOVE. On any day, burn the candles, use the nice By Mirryam Kamore Ngarey inspiring...... sheets, and wear the fancy outfit, get the best drink and make the best meal, don’t save it for a have learnt that life isn’t fair, but it’s still good, it was never meant to be fair, dance in the rain as you wait for summer. When in doubt, just take the next small step. Crawl if you have to, but keep moving. Never stop. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone and hate is too much of a burden to carry, no one deserves that. I focus on those I love and forget the rest. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. It is never that serious. Have that one time to just be, eat without worrying about weight, dance without minding the coordination, laugh as hard as it can be and just be. Life is good.

by Rhoda Mutiso

onfidence is driven away by feelings of inferiority and self doubt. This is normally a state of mind in which an individual has already declared himself a victim.

Understanding yourself; Dealing with it starts Identify your strengths and God given talents; with an individual understanding self, as well as identifying the feelings he / she harbors concerning self. Understand that you deserve to feel good about yourself hence the reason you should embark on working on your feelings and thoughts. Make a list of these feelings and thoughts as well as your perceptions on those around you. Make another list of the positive thoughts that will form your new thought patterns.

and be grateful about them as well as using them to their fullest potential. Learn to pride in your good qualities for this will increase your feelings of self worth. Do not be afraid of projecting them to others. Reinforce these ideas in your mind in order to encourage your personal growth in a positive direction

Refute negative thoughts; replace them with positive ones. As you learn to adopt a more positive mindset about yourself, those demeaning feelings also disappear. When we think negatively, we project these feelings to others, causing them to look down upon us hence, allowing those around us to treat us in demeaning ways.

includes whatever makes you feel unworthy and ashamed. Being aware of them is the first step for it gives you an understanding on what to work on.

Recognize your insecurities and your weaknesses and work at them too. This

Positive self-talk and mindset; learn to build

confidence in your thoughts, feelings and behavior. Reach out and spent time with friends who make you feel great and avoid people and places that Appreciate others; we indirectly bring out the put you down. Focus on activities you love and best in ourselves when we bring the best out of get involved in them. others, learn to compliment others. In so doing, we also learn to receive compliments gracefully. Focus also on self care; Dress in clothes that

make you feel great about yourself. Eat a well

Stop comparing yourself with others; focus balanced diet and spoil yourself at times. Do those

on improving your own life for the better and not that of other people. Remain relevant in life by advancing your own goals and dreams. When you encounter a failure, don’t dwell on it, bounce back from your mistakes and understand that life is full of bumps down the road.

things that you enjoy. Get enough sleep too. Display items that remind you of your success or achievements for these works at boosting your confidence and esteem.

ACT CONFIDENTLY EVEN IF YOU DON’T FEEL IT!

Ability Africa Magazine Launch Photos / Contact / Team Ability Africa magazine Information

Ability Africa Magazine Team

Vision: Having an inclusive society where all services are mainstreamed and integrated for all

Mercy Mugure - Executive Producer Eric Mutei - Chief Editor

Mission:

Onyango Ojuju - Assistant Editor.

Demystifying disability through correct information and celebrating disability as diversity.

Muthii Wa Wachira - Senior Contributor / Marketer. Linda Wachira - Contributor. Mwaura Karugu - Contributor.

PARTNERSHIPS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

Nicholas Omolo - Distribution / Cordinator

> Regular subscriptions > Advertising :buying space > Csr partnership

Eric Langi - SEO Manager David Ogeka - Designer

CONTACT:

Duncan Otuoma - Photographer

Office Number: +254 729 908762 > email : info@abilitysociety.co.ke > twitter page: @abilitysocietyk > Facebook Page: Ability Africa magazine > blog page: Abilityafrica.wordpress.com

s e i t i l i y Hands My Ab

M , s g e L y M ra e w a W m a i r i

My name is Miriam, am a mother of one son Baraka ,an employee at Safaricom limited . I was born without hands however the perfect creator gifted me with beautiful legs that are my hands too.

r e h t o m a As

.I her mum m o r f t s grew the be ke how i li ays get n lw u a n o io t condit y son my mum I want m o him about my up at age 18, as w lk t freely ta my arms to sho g up waitin e. m had told

Photos By

Duncan O

tuoma

o,we h him to it w y la np mum ca at he likes. is h s w o kn te on wh a ip B a r a ka ic t r a en i p more wh

my ds of e e e n ye he n to t ther emplo o i t a t ks yo y wor ver like an m d e deli just m ad herefore i omers. o c i r a st dt Saf ty ,an to serve cu i l i b a s di gs my le using

bond

9 Here are the answers to the

ONE TOUCH TOUCH BAR BAR ONE

previous crossword

1 8

11 13 17

15 19

16 20

Across

1. A lotion used to protect skin from damage by ultraviolet rays from the sun 6. Person living with total visual impairment. 10. Public transport, like the __________ can be modified to be disability compliant. 11. Stick used by persons living with blindness to navigate/explore their environment. 12. The lower limb of the human or animal that extends from the groin to the ankle. 13. Complex neurobehavioral disorder that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills and rigid repetitive behaviors. 15. Child with unique or unusual abilities or needs. 17. Ear nose and mouth. 19. A learning difficulty in which a person finds it difficult to read, write and spell words. 20. The ability to speak, to articulate sounds or words.

Across

1. Sunscreen 6. Blind 10. Bus 11. Cane 12. Leg

10 12

& Restaurant Restaurant &

Lounge Lounge

Mpesa Mpesa

Down

2. Bundles of neurons with their connective tissue sheaths, blood vessels and lymphatics. 3. A pair of supports as an aid to walking for an injured or person with disability. 4. The organ of hearing 5. Member of the body like an arm etc. mainly used in locomotion. 6. A machine similar to a typewriter used for printing for visually impaired persons. 7. ____________________________ is not inability. 8. Worn to correct impaired vision. 9. Part of the body, which contains the brain, mouth etc. - plural. 14. Intelligence Quotient 16. Organs through which we are able to see. 18. Each of the digits on the end of the foot

2. Nerves 3. Crutches 4. Ear 5. Limb 6. Brailler

Down

13. Autism 15. Special 17. ENT 19. Dyslexia 20. Speech

7. Disability 8. Spectacles 9. Heads 14. IQ 16. Eyes 18. Toe

Ngara, Ngara,Desai DesaiRoad, Road,P.O. P.O.Box Box24470 24470- 00100, - 00100,Nairobi Nairobi Cell: 0720 609 298, Email: onetouchclub@gmail.com Cell: 0720 609 298, Email: onetouchclub@gmail.com

Bar Bar

Butchery Butchery Dealers Dealersin:in: Home HomeDeliveries Deliveries Parties Parties Outside OutsideCatering Catering