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Nairobi, Kenya
As is the local custom, Mama Vincent is named after her firstborn son Vincent*. She lives in a 3 x 3 metre shack with her husband and seven children, in the informal settlement of Kibera. This valley of rusty corrugated iron shacks is estimated to be home to up to 1 million people. Kibera is defined by extreme poverty and very poor basic infrastructure.
Vincent is 13 with severe autism and everyday milestones have been difficult for him to achieve. Vincent and his entire family face significant challenges and prejudice due to damaging popular myths and deeply rooted cultural beliefs surrounding children with disabilities. Often disability can lead to whole families being ostracised and their children being the target of violence and abuse.
Mama Vincent and her husband were introduced to the Edmund Rice Centre Nairobi – a haven for children with disabilities and their families – when Vincent was eight.
Here, Vincent attends school and occupational therapy and has a nutritious meal to aid his development. He also learns vocational skills in basic beadwork to help secure an income and contribute to his lifelong care. Vincent’s siblings also benefit from support from the Centre, which works tirelessly to advocate for disability rights and shift beliefs surrounding the child and their family.
Mama Vincent volunteers in the kitchen at the Centre. She helps cultivate the gardens that provide nutritious meals for the children to aid their learning and development. Her husband has secured work as a daytime guard for the Centre, which provides a small income to the family. Their hope for Vincent is to gain access to a speech therapist to develop his communication skills so he can develop his confidence and independence.
*Not their real name
Vincent and his entire family face significant challenges and prejudice due to damaging popular myths and deeply rooted cultural beliefs surrounding children with disabilities. Edmund Rice Centre Nairobi is working hard to support families and advocate for disability equity in communities.
