Learners with Disabilities Benefit from Art and Mental Wellness Program

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Smiles, creativity and messages of hope filled the Edmund Rice Centre in Kibera on Friday as children living with disabilities showcased their artistic talents during an Art and Mental Wellness Exhibition aimed at promoting inclusion, emotional healing and community support.

The event brought together learners, parents, caregivers, teachers and mental health professionals to celebrate the achievements of children who had participated in a month-long art therapy and mental wellness programme at the centre.

Organized through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Ngong Road, Restore & Renew Wellness Group, Rotary Club of Lavington Eco

and Edmund Rice Centre, the initiative sought to improve emotional wellbeing among children with disabilities while also supporting the mental health of parents, caregivers and teachers.

As part of ensuring long-term impact and sustainability, the Rotary Club of Lavington Eco, supported towards farm inputs and the establishment of a kitchen garden to help strengthen food sustainability and create learning opportunities within the centre.

Through paintings, drawings and creative displays, learners expressed their emotions, talents and experiences, demonstrating the powerful role art can play in building confidence and improving social interaction.

Speaking during the exhibition, Rotary Club of Ngong Road President Mwende Mulandi said children with disabilities deserve safe environments where they can learn, grow and thrive without discrimination.

She noted that many families raising children with disabilities often struggle with stigma, isolation and emotional stress, especially in underserved communities.

“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.

Mulandi encouraged parents to embrace children with disabilities and seek supportive spaces that nurture their abilities rather than hide them due to fear or societal judgment.

“All children deserve a future. We want to create safe spaces so they can have stronger futures,” she added.

The exhibition also offered a platform for parents and caregivers to access psychological support and mental wellness guidance, helping them better navigate the emotional challenges associated with caregiving.

Teacher Phyllis Ong’ayo-Ambenge welcomed the programme saying it had positively impacted both learners and caregivers by providing educational materials and emotional support.

She stressed the need for parents to allow children with disabilities access to education and opportunities that can unlock their potential.

“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 described the initiative as part of a long-term effort to improve mental wellness through art therapy and strengthen the capacity of caregivers and teachers.

“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, one of the programme partners, facilitated counselling and psychological support sessions throughout the month-long initiative.

Its chief executive officer, Dr Nelly Otieno, said disability and mental health challenges remain misunderstood and heavily stigmatized, making awareness and community support crucial.

“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 added that the artwork produced by learners reflected creativity, resilience and untapped potential, urging communities to promote inclusion rather than exclusion.

“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 highlighted how art therapy can help children living with disabilities express emotions, gain confidence and connect socially, while also strengthening support systems for the people who care for them.

Organizers expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire greater acceptance, awareness and support for persons living with disabilities across the country.