By Junne Ndanu

Percy Davies Special School in Murang’a County is a public primary school that hosts children with autism disorder and other developmental disabilities. On 25^th July 2023, KRA volunteers comprising of staff visited the institution as part of the organisation’s neurodiversity initiative. Neurodiversity is espoused in KRA’s corporate sustainability programme. The neurodiversity principle holds that there are differences in human brain function and teaches all of us to accept that no two brains are alike and that is sufficient.

Tenda Wema Initiative

The volunteers engaged 89 students at the school and distributed donations from KRA staff from across the country under KRA’s ‘Tenda Wema’ campaign. Tenda Wema is an anchor for KRA’s staff volunteerism programme and seeks to encourage staff to participate in community development. The volunteers also got the opportunity to appreciate the teachers’ contribution for their good work in being great care givers to the students. The donations included maize flour, wheat flour, cooking oil, rice, sanitary towels, biscuits and sugar. The engagement also involved singing and dancing with the students and a motivational session between the students and the volunteers who were led by KRA’s Central Regional Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Murichu.

The Deputy Principal at the school Mr. Tom Mbugua Kariuki stated that the institution takes care of students with special needs and mental challenges. “Your initiative demonstrates KRA’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs and disabilities,” he remarked. He also explained the curriculum of the school and the lessons they learn including number tunes, communication skills, self-help skills, orientation and mobility that helps fit in the students’ areas of weaknesses. He also described some of the disorders at the school including autism, cerebral palsy, meningitis and dyslexia among others.

KRA has in recent year’s strengthened its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) function that is built on the four pillars of education, healthcare, sports and environment. Neurodiversity which falls under healthcare will continue to be a focus area for the organisation for now and the future.