New facility aims to reduce dropout rates for disabled children

ROBERT OJWANG’-KNA

The Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in collaboration with other stakeholders, has officially handed over a new Intermediate Special Education Classroom at Ogwedhi PAG Primary School in Awasi, Nyando SubCounty, Kisumu County.

Speaking during the handover, the Deputy Country Director of KOICA Kenya, Hwayeong Bae, said the initiative aims to address the persistently high school dropout rates among children with disabilities.

Hwayeong mentioned that the improving essential basic provisions would play a significant role in breaking the barriers, empower children with disabilities, and create more inclusive learning environments in schools.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the dropout rate remained high, with 75 percent of young learners with disabilities unable to attend school due to lack of mobility devices and other essential support services.

Data shows that in Nyando Sub-County, the scarcity of specialized facilities often forces children with disabilities to abandon their education after primary school. 

Worryingly, only one in six children with disabilities is currently enrolled in school in the region.

“This cycle has to be broken. We must ensure that every child including those with special needs cases, has access to inclusive and quality education from early childhood to university,”Hyayeong said.

She added, “Our goal is not only to provide a building, but to create opportunities. We want to empower children to participate fully in society and change public perceptions about disability.”

The project, consisting of the fully furnished Intermediate Special Classroom fully equipped with specialized desks, play materials, skill-building tools, and assistive technologies.

The unit, also includes a teacher’s room and secure storage, currently serves 12 intermediate learners, providing them with a respectful and supportive learning environment.

Hyayeong emphasized that education is the ultimate tool for self-advocacy, noting that, “In the classroom, students will learn their rights and discover their talents.

"When we support a child with disability, we strengthen the entire community.” The Kisumu County Chief Officer for Education, Bovince Ochieng, who represented the area Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, emphasized that the project reinforces the fundamental right to learning.