QUARTER ONE AND TWO (Q1 & Q2) 2020/2021 – ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS

NFDK COVID-19 RESPONSE PROGRAMME

The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya undertook a Covid-19 Response Program to cushion vulnerable Children with Disabilities from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic which poses a threat to their overall health and survival. A pilot programme was conducted in May/June and the subsequent 4 months saw the Fund  disburse Kshs. 2,000 per month to select households in Nairobi and Mombasa in order to supplement in the areas of food, medication, diapers and general hygiene.

The Fund also reached out to twelve (12) homes/institutions for children with disabilities in Nairobi and Mombasa  with a 4-month financial support  towards food, medication and therapy. Majority of the targeted children were from informal settlement in both counties and the overall objective is to reduce the risk of them falling into greater vulnerability.

The cash transfer program ended in September 2020 and the Fund shifted focus to building the capacity of institutions of learning (special schools/units) across the country in order to enhance their preparedness for the opening of schools in January 2021. A total of 170 institutions of special needs (special schools and units) received grants to enhance their preparedness for resumption of learning. Each school received Kshs.300,000 towards WaSH programmes (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

NFDK calls upon other stakeholders to assist the vulnerable Kenyans and especially persons with disabilities as they face a serious risk of infection. We urge PWDS to carefully observe the set guidelines relating to basic hygiene and social distancing in order to reduce the risk of infections.