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This journey led her to Edmund Rice Centre Nairobi (ERCN), formerly the Mary Rice Centre. On Esther’s first day, she visited ERCN families in their homes within the informal settlement of Kibera which changed her life and perspective forever. Kibera is a large and densely populated urban slum characterised by intense poverty and little to no infrastructure and amenities.
Esther witnessed families who faced enormous challenges including being shunned by their community because of disability. She recalls being in a oneroom family home with eleven children, three of whom were living with multiple disabilities. For many, the struggle for a family managing disability and extreme poverty is heartbreaking to witness.
Ten years on, Esther continues to be inspired and motivated to work tirelessly with this family and many others like them in Kibera. Esther and the ERCN team advocate for disability rights, special needs education and provide access to vocational training.
Esther has been instrumental in changing the damaging myths and deeply rooted cultural beliefs surrounding children with disabilities.
Where once it was common for children with disabilities to be restrained all day in their homes, now there is growing awareness and acceptance on matters of disability. ERCN provides a safe space for children with disabilities to learn and grow, and for their families to be supported.
