Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
When a child is young you might notice some Restricted and repetitive behaviors which vary greatly across the autism spectrum. They can include: Repetitive body movements (e.g. rocking, flapping, spinning, running back and forth).
Family Bank, through the Family Group Foundation, has completed the refurbishment and equipping of a second classroom block at Sosiani Primary School that will enable even more students living with autism to access specialized learning in a conducive environment.
With this second classroom block, the foundation has now invested Sh1.5 million, making Sosiani Primary School the only school in Rift Valley region that offers a special needs education program for autistic pupils. The investments include purchasing of specialized learning materials and books, installation of a water storage facility and fitting the classrooms with indoor washroom facilities for the pupils’ comfort.
“This has been made possible by proceeds from the annual Family Group Eldoret Half Marathon. We made a commitment that the race will not only provide a platform for discovering talent but also impact this community. This school is a testament to that commitment,” said Family Bank Chief Operations Officer Godfrey Kamau.
“Our strategy is to equip public schools and promote inclusive education, not only in Uasin Gishu County, but also in all other counties across Kenya. By addressing this gap, we believe that Family Bank is investing in the socio-economic welfare of our children, who are leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
The school’s management led by the head teacher Nicholas Kosgei, lauded the Bank’s gesture revealing that the new specialized classrooms, which began with just 8 pupils, now have a total of 38 pupils. With the new facility, the school looks forward to accommodating more autistic pupils who would otherwise not have this opportunity. He urged parents with autistic children not to shy away from bringing their children to school.
“Our journey with Sosiani Primary School would not have been possible without the support of the County Ministry of Education. The Ministry has facilitated the placement of four special education teachers and have promised to allocate more,” said Family Group Foundation Manager Jacqueline Mathaga adding that they are also working closely with the parents of the school to have a physiotherapist available at the school.
“We are also focused on ensuring the integration of the special needs pupils to the ordinary curriculum classes. So far, we have two special needs students that have now joined the ordinary curriculum classes, which is a great stride for us,” she added.
The new facility was handed over at a ceremony held at the school located in Eldoret West and officiated by Family Bank Chief Operating Officer Godfrey Kamau, Family Group Foundation Manager Jacqueline Mathaga and Ministry of Education officers in Uasin Gishu County.