On December 1st, 2023, inABLE, in collaboration with students from special schools around Mang’u, parents, instructors, and teachers, gathered at the Kang’aru Digital Hub to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Kang’aru Digital Hub, part of the Our Reading Spaces program initiated in 2010, symbolizes technological empowerment. Initially known as the Kairi Library, the hub underwent recent refurbishments to emerge as a modern digital library, catering to approximately 1,500 students and 180 teachers from six nearby schools in Kairu Village in Mang’u. The transformation, aimed at imparting digital skills and enhancing the overall reading culture, allows the hub to host up to 100 students simultaneously, a considerable increase from its previous capacity of 15.

During the event, Evelyn Omollo, a computer instructor at the hub, showcased the lessons students undergo, including an introduction to Chromebooks and basic typing. Parents witnessed their mentally challenged children engaging with computers, with students from the holiday program demonstrating their ability to type the alphabet on Chromebooks.

Encouraging parents to support their children’s attendance in computer classes, Teacher Mary Ndungu, from one of the special schools, highlighted the significant progress made within just a week. She pledged to advocate for laptops in special schools to reinforce learning from the hub.

Mama Dennis, a parent to one of the beneficiaries, expressed heartfelt thanks to inABLE and the instructors for considering children with diverse abilities. She emphasized the children’s gratitude and urged parents to engage actively in hub activities. Reflecting on her progress, she shared her initial scepticism, now replaced with excitement seeing her child successfully using a computer.

Moses Ng’ang’a, representing head teachers in the region, acknowledged the hub’s transformative impact. He pledged to mobilize stakeholders to equip schools with computers and laptops, ensuring all students, regardless of abilities, access these devices. He praised inABLE for levelling the learning field for students with special needs.

Students revealed newfound skills, from opening computers and typing the alphabet to some typing their names. They expressed eagerness to delve into online research, showcasing the hub’s positive influence on their digital literacy journey.

Area assistant chief Mr. Samuel Munyiri commended inABLE for its unique project, expressing gratitude for its focus on children with disabilities. He pledged government support, emphasizing the Kang’aru Digital Hub’s unprecedented nature and potential to thrive with full backing.

During the event, inABLE’s founder and CEO, Irene Mbari-Kirika, expressed excitement about Kang’aru being a home for empowerment. She urged parents to invest in their children, emphasizing technology as an equalizer. Irene acknowledged the commitment of inABLE and Technoprise staff, attributing the success to their unwavering dedication.

As Kang’aru Digital Hub becomes a symbol of inclusivity and progress, celebrating the International Day for Persons with Disabilities takes on a profound meaning, marking not just an event but a transformative journey towards a more empowered and equitable future.

Written by Lily Ronoh- Waweru, Multimedia Storyteller