Africa-Press – Kenya. A thirteen-year-old disabled girl has received help after her story was highlighted by Citizen TV.
Rukia Harun, a Class 6 pupil from Tana River County who was born without arms, is set to receive a limitless sponsorship for her studies.
Speaking to the media station on Tuesday, the National Council For People With Disabilities(NCPWD) Executive Director Harun Maalim confirmed that Rukia would get a scholarship to fund her education.
“We will support her to the point where she tells us she is tired of her education,” he stated.
Maalim was part of officials from NCPWD who visited her home on Tuesday, October 4, to assess her needs and challenges.
The Executive Director, who revealed that he shared the same name with Rukia, revealed that he would also chip in personally as he felt that it was not just a coincidence that he shared a name with Rukia.
He stated that the council was keen on the welfare of school-going children with disabilities and was determined to give them opportunities.
Maalim remarked that providing education to a student living with a disability would go a long way in giving them a chance in life.
“If we give a child with a disability an opportunity, you see the ability in them but the moment we deny them an education, that is the moment where their disability becomes more visible,” he reiterated.
Maalim further explained that Rukia, being a girl with disabilities, faces double marginalization in society.
Rukia’s story was featured by Citizen TV on Saturday, October 2. Despite being born without arms, she managed to go about her daily activities using her legs.
Her teachers at Harmony Junior School stated that she performs well in school despite her uniqueness. Back at home, she also helps out with house chores.
