Physios in Kenya

We arrived at Athi Special School late in the evening after an eventful 6 hr minibus drive, only to get stuck in the mud after torrential rains made the road nearly impassable. There we had to get the local school children to push us out!

The next day, when we opened the door of our classroom/living quarters, we were surrounded by an overwhelming number of children all keen to touch our skin and play with our hair. Once the hype of us being there had died down, we noticed a shy boy who was too reserved to come and greet us. This was Kalvin and the story of how he came to attend the school began to emerge.

At the age of four, Kalvin and his brother were helping in the field caring for their families crops. The brother was swinging a hoe back over his shoulder, not knowing that Kalvin was behind him, and a devastating blow to the head broke open his skull!

Following this injury, Kalvin lost the use of his right arm, had a significant limp and developed slurred speech. He was not able to attend mainstream school and became introverted, but thanks to the teachers at Athi Special School he was able to get an education and much-needed social interaction. Throughout our stay we worked to teach him exercises to regain the use of his right arm, to enhance his quality of life. By the end of our stay Kalvin could no longer be described as 'quiet and introverted’ but rather 'outgoing and mischievous.’

Our time spent at Athi Special School is a time we will always remember, we feel privileged to have had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Kenyan way of life and contribute our time and skills to a much deserved cause. It is thanks to Hands Around The World that we have had this amazing experience and will treasure it forever.

Jo Powell and Ali Argenti

To read more from the school, or to offer support, please click on the picture "Help Kenyan children with disabilities into School" on the right >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>