Local NEWS – 16.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Government to promote rights of the disabled

The government has come out clearly that it is committed to protecting, respecting, promoting and fulfilling the rights of children with disabilities. Speaking during the commemoration of the Day of an African Child, at Crusade grounds today, Loima D.O 1, Mr. Bernard Odino who was the Guest of Honor, said that apart from the fact that the government is engaging itself in promoting the welfare of the disabled, it is the responsibility of everyone to raise awareness about rights, capabilities, and potential of children with disabilities who are particularly vulnerable to marginalization and gender based violence.

Odino reiterated that there is need for all actors including civil societies to help in creating awareness at the community level. This year the theme of the commemoration is The rights of children with disabilities. The main duty being to protect, respect, promote and fulfill their needs.

In Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot, the most famous of which being Hector Peterson. More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured. This day, therefore, is commemorated to remember those who lost their lifes in that mayhem.

The commemoration was organized by World Vision Kenya, International Rescue Committee, The Government of Kenya through the District Children office, The Greater Turkana Civil Societies Network, TWADO and Child Fund.

LOCAL NEWS – 06.04.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - The old and the disabled get cloths from social ministry DOL

More than 100 old people and the disabled, have been issued with cloths from the diocese of Lodwar through the social ministry. The ministry's coordinator Mr. mark Nakain said that yesterday more than 50 people got cloths while another lot of more than 50 were getting today.
Mr. Nakain said that his ministry has been issuing not only cloths, but also food to the people within and without Lodwar town irrespective of their denominations. However he noted that their services are dictated by their ability to raise the requirements to reach to the needs of people. He urged the people to maintain whatever they are given, however little it is
During the distribution Nakain asked the old to always preach peace wherever they will be and promote good relationship among themselves. He urged the well wishers to continue supporting them, in order to enable them to reach to the majority,who always turn up for help.
However, he congratulated their donors for making them reach where they have reached. He added that the number of those who need help is increasing every now and then, due to the prevailing poverty in the region.

Local News - 11th may 2010 - Regional Commissioner Promises to Help the Challenged. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

The Regional Commissioner of Turkana Region, Mr. Christopher Musumba, today told the less blessed, disadvantaged and challenged in the community that the government will provide them with all possible assistance including consideration for employment whenever vacancies occur. The RC said this, while addressing 50 people with various disabilities who were attending a training on Disability Act at Splash Guest House, Lodwar.

He further said those who require wheelchairs would be assisted and others given opportunity to try their luck in business.

He was accompanied by a team from Kenya National Council of the Disabled People from Nairobi, United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and Lodwar Mayor.

Addressing the people, the chairman of the Kenya National Council of the Disabled (KNCD), Peter Mwaura, said the government has allocated some fund to help and facilitate the activities of the disabled in the country adding that as soon as the council approves the budget, Turkana community will be considered.

Local News - 07.05.2010 - THE DISABLED ASSESSED FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE. By Peter Lokatur.

Some 13 disabled people among them 3 children were today assessed by personnel from John Paul II Home for the Physically Handicapped of Lokichar with a view of being assisted. The assessment took place at the Diocesan Social Ministry office.

Seven of them were assessed and promised to be attended to in the next visit basing on their condition while 3 others were taken to Lokichar Home for assistance. Those likely to be assisted are the people with orthopedic problems, dislocation of any part of the body, those in need of artificial leg and wheelchair and repair as well as spares. The paraphernalia will be brought after assessment.

Addressing the disabled, Mark Nakain, who is the Manager of the Social Ministry Office, said the ministry recognises the disabled in the community and was ready to pay attention to their needs. Mr. Nakain further said the ministry also gives assistance to primary school children from needy families, by buying them uniform and other requirements. The personnel who came from John Paul Home, Lokichar, included Cadelli Liala, Philip Wafula and Benson Auren.

Last year 9 people benefitted from the ministry. 3 of them got wheelchairs, 5 got crutches and 1 got wheelchair spare part. The organisers of this visit were Sister Catherine Owor Mungu, the Director of John Paul Home and Mark Nakain from the Diocesan Social Ministry.