Kibera Exhibition Highlights Power of Art in Supporting Children with Disabilities
By Editorial Team
NAIROBI, May 29, 2026 — Children living with disabilities, alongside their parents, caregivers and teachers, were celebrated at the Edmund Rice Centre in Kibera during an Art and Mental Wellness Exhibition aimed at promoting emotional wellbeing, inclusion and community support.
Held on Friday, the exhibition brought together the Rotary Club of Ngong Road, Restore & Renew Wellness Group, educators and families to showcase the impact of a month-long art therapy and mental wellness programme conducted at the centre.
The event not only displayed artwork created by learners but also highlighted the importance of emotional healing, mental wellness and social support for children with disabilities and those who care for them.
Speaking during the event, Rotary Club of Ngong Road President Mwende Mulandi said the initiative was designed to create safe and supportive spaces where children with disabilities can thrive while also addressing the mental health needs of parents, caregivers and teachers.
According to Mulandi, many families raising children with disabilities continue to face stigma, social isolation and harsh living conditions, especially within informal settlements.
“Most times when we think about mental wellness, we focus on those who are visibly struggling, but we tend to forget the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. They also face significant challenges in society,” she said.
At the same time, she urged parents to stop hiding children with disabilities and instead enroll them in supportive learning environments where they can learn, grow and realize their full potential.
“All children deserve a future. We want to create safe spaces so they can have stronger futures,” she added, reaffirming the Rotary Club’s commitment to supporting learners, teachers and caregivers at the centre.
The exhibition featured artwork produced by children at the institution, with organizers saying the pieces reflected creativity, resilience and hidden talent among learners with disabilities.
Teacher Phyllis Ong’ayo-Ambenge praised the partnership with the Rotary Club, noting that it had provided learning materials and critical support to both learners and caregivers.
She also encouraged parents to embrace children with disabilities rather than hide them, emphasizing the importance of education and equal opportunities.
“The work displayed here has been made by our children with disabilities. This shows what they can achieve when given a chance to learn and participate,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Ngong Road President-elect Austin Itebete emphasized the need for sustained community support, saying the programme was part of a wider effort to strengthen mental wellness through art therapy and capacity-building for caregivers and school staff.
“Every child deserves a chance. We want parents and the wider community to come together and continuously support children with disabilities,” he said.
Restore & Renew Wellness Group, which partnered with the Rotary Club and Edmund Rice Centre, provided psychological support sessions for parents, teachers and learners throughout the programme.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nelly Otieno said disability and mental health challenges remain highly stigmatized in many communities, making access to support systems essential.
“Our role is to help the community understand that disability and mental health challenges are normal realities that require understanding and support,” she said.
Dr. Otieno further noted that the learners’ artwork reflected their abilities and potential, urging society to embrace inclusion instead of discrimination and marginalization.
“If we support them, they can make meaningful contributions to society. Parents should not hide their children or fear seeking help. We are here to support them mentally and emotionally,” she said.
The exhibition underscored the transformative role of art therapy in helping children with disabilities express emotions, build confidence and improve social interaction. At the same time, it offered much-needed emotional support to parents, caregivers and teachers who play a vital role in their wellbeing.
Organizers expressed hope that the initiative would inspire greater awareness, acceptance and stronger community support for persons living with disabilities across the country.
