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Strengthening the capacity of child protection practitioners on caring for children with disabilities and those with special needs
Bungoma, 3 December 2024 - The training curriculum and manual for the Directorate of Children Services (DCS) on caring for children with disabilities and those with special needs, were officially launched by Hon. Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, themed “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
Dr. Mutua acknowledged UNODC’s support to the Ministry through DCS, whilst underscoring the critical need for Persons with Disabilities to enjoy equal opportunities and benefits. Children with disabilities and those with special needs face barriers that include access to quality education, healthcare and social services in their day-to-day care. Therefore, these children require quality care which positively impacts their ability to learn, build healthy relationships, and to become their best versions.
However, child protection practitioners and caregivers caring for children with disability and those with special needs get overwhelmed with nurturing these children due to a lack of knowledge of the special features of the various special needs and disabilities in children. This includes what to expect during the developmental stages of differently-abled children at every stage of their development, and the importance of what constitutes providing quality care for children with special needs.
With financial support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), UNODC and DCS bridged the knowledge and skill gap among child protection practitioners and caregivers on caring for children with disabilities and those with special needs by developing training materials anchored on the National Care reform Strategy for Care Reform (2022-2032) and the UN Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization of Persons with Disabilities 2022. The Training materials are designed to equip the child protection practitioners and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to provide quality care for children and enhance reintegration
These training materials on caring for children with disability and those with special needs were successfully realized through the collaboration with the UNICEF Kenya Country Office and the technical working group established by the DCS.
While reiterating UNODC’s commitment to the mission, Deputy Regional Representative Ms. Maria Temesvari stated that UNODC’s work is focused on fostering a world where vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities and special needs, can live in a safe society, and access justice in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Preceding the launch event was a Disability Inclusion Townhall Meeting at Kibabii University, in Bungoma County on 2 December, where a UNODC expert who spearheaded the Technical Working Group that developed the training curriculum and manual, gave insights on the process of developing the curriculum from the training needs assessment, to the pilot testing of the developed material and the training of trainers mentorship workshops.
Upon rollout, the training of the child protection practitioners and caregivers will address the multifaceted nature of caregiving—from physical assistance to emotional support and development, thus working towards sustainable inclusivity of children with disabilities and those with special needs.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Charity Kagwi-Ndungu (charity.kagwi@un.org)
Head of the Anti- Corruption, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Eastern Africa