The Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), joined Kenya Defence Forces families to celebrate the World Cerebral Palsy Day, at the Defence Forces Wellness Centre (DFWC) in Langata Garrison, Nairobi.
World Cerebral Palsy Day is marked annually worldwide on 6th October, to bring together families and create awareness about the condition.
This year’s theme, “Together Stronger” highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, mutual support and equal opportunity to those affected.
MWAK Chairperson Mrs. Aileen Ogolla appreciated the programmes and progress made by the Defence Forces Wellness Centre (DFWC) in supporting KDF families. She reiterated that guided by its mission to improve the holistic quality of life for every Kenyan military family, MWAK through Compensation and Welfare Department, is partnering with other organizations to provide additional support.
The Commandant DFWC, Col Bii, while appreciating MWAK for the success of the event, stated that Defence Forces Wellness Centre is working towards creating awareness beyond disability. He further informed those present that the Wellness Centre workshop is now fully functional offering a wide range of external prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthotic services to correct neuromusculoskeletal disorders, among other services.
Col. Olenauwankas, Langata Camp Commandant, representing the Garrison Commander, encouraged parents never to give up on their children. He noted that these children can be extraordinary given the right environment and support.
During the event, parents and caregivers requested various support including special needs, education, housing consideration, psychosocial and first aid training. MWAK Special Needs Programs Coordinator, Mrs. Fridah Gatere, implored on caregivers to inculcate calm behaviour while handling their challenges noting that the same can be felt by their special needs children. A guest speaker with two special needs children aged 40 and 38 years narrated her experience and emphasized that empathy and not sympathy should be given to special needs families to eliminate stigma.
In attendance were, MWAK members, Col. Physical Medicine DFWC, Col. Maweu, Senior officers, KDF personnel and families. To crown the day, MWAK gifted the children with therapy mats, sensory stimulation toys, reading and colouring books.
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