By Augustine Were
Bungoma County Urged to Establish Schools for Children with Autism
Bungoma, Kenya — As the world marks Autism Day, there has been a renewed call for the Bungoma County government to establish specialized schools for children with autism. This request comes amid growing recognition of the challenges faced by children with autism and their families within the community.
Speaking at the Rerela Creative Learning Centre, the only facility in Bungoma dedicated to supporting children with autism, Esther Koyo, the director of the center, stressed the urgent need for more community education and government intervention. "Despite the significant number of children in Bungoma County who require specialized education, there is a prevailing attitude of separation and avoidance when it comes to children with autism," Koyo explained. "We need more sensitization to change these perceptions and create a more inclusive environment."
The call for action was further amplified by parents, like Evelyn Munyasa, who shared the daily challenges they face in supporting their children. Munyasa, whose child has autism, emphasized the financial and emotional toll of accessing therapy and education from other counties. "The government should help us build more schools around here. We shouldn't have to travel long distances for proper care," Munyasa said.
Currently, the lack of suitable educational facilities in the county forces many parents to seek services in neighboring areas. This has made access to quality education and therapy not only difficult but also costly for many families.
Stakeholders also pointed out that the absence of essential resources, such as tambourines for therapy sessions, limits the effectiveness of the support children can receive. This shortage underscores the need for increased investment in autism education, particularly for tools and training materials.
Rerela Creative Learning Centre, despite its challenges, has been a lifeline for children with autism in Bungoma. The center provides therapy focused on basic life skills and speech development, giving children the opportunity to improve their communication and daily living abilities. “Rerela has impacted these children's lives significantly. Many of them have started acquiring vital skills that will help them lead more independent lives,” said Koyo.
The calls for more facilities, government support, and societal awareness align with the theme of this year’s Autism Day, “Developing Neurodiversity and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The theme highlights the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with autism and their families, stressing the need for equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their challenges.
As the community grapples with the realities of autism, the collective hope is that with greater awareness, better resources, and government involvement, Bungoma can create an environment where every child, regardless of their condition, can thrive.
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