Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa[Photo :techweez.com]
Safaricom through its M-PESA Foundation has donated 74 million shillings to aid disabled children in the country to have access to quality education.
The ‘Wezesha Elimu’ project done in conjunction with the Christian Blind Mission Kenya and CURE Kenya hospital seeks to help children with disabilities undergo smooth transitions in learning institutions without the problem of lack of funds.
The project would further ensure that children with disabilities undergo surgeries and rehabilitations.
M-PESA Foundation and Christian Blind Mission Kenya have each invested 22.5 million shillings, while CURE Kenya will contribute 26.5 million shillings towards the project.
Under the program, 27 medical mobile clinics will be held across the country targeting more than 700 children and 300 surgeries.
An additional five schools will have their infrastructure upgraded to enable children with disabilities to access learning opportunities while over 100 assistive devices will be distributed.
Les Baillie, Executive Director, M-PESA Foundation said the firm wants to create awareness about living with disabilities so that the children with disabilities can access education without discrimination.
“Through the partnership, we aim to increase the enrolment and retention of children with disabilities in learning institutions and reduce the physical barriers which drive away learners from attending classes by revamping infrastructure in select schools,” he said.
Speaking during the launch of the project, CBM Chairperson, Joseph Okelo said the project would help create awareness about disabilities so that stigma is reduced.