Rotarians lift children’s hearts at city rally

By Ally Jamah

For Phillip Murito from Thika School for the Blind, last Saturday will remain a special day in his heart.

"I am happy to be here," said the eight-year-old as he joined 1,500 other physically and mentally challenged children in The 2009 Nairobi Rally for the Disabled in Jamhuri Park, Nairobi.

- Industrialist Manu Chandaria (left), the President of Rotary Club of Nairobi Ashok Shah and District Governor Kanshik Manek (second right) dance with a pupil at the Rotary Rally for the disabled at Jamhuri Park, Nairobi. About 1500 children attended. [PHOTOS: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

-Lunch is served at the party.

As if to prove his happiness, he broke into a popular song called Muhadhara, matching the tune and the lyrics perfectly. His teacher, Nancy Mugambi, could not hide her pride and approval.

"I don’t recall any other time when Murito was this excited. Today, he is thrilled to be outdoors, dancing, and playing. Most times, he is usually within the school compound."

Ms Mugambi had trouble restraining his demand to be taken to the field to dance.

Indeed, at the center of the field, hundreds of children like Murito surround the huge speakers and swing, albeit awkwardly, to the loud music.

Others simply watched while others ran after each other.

"This is just a day of fun for the children, nothing more, nothing less," said Ashok Shah, the President of Rotary Club of Nairobi, which has organised the event for the past 30 years.

Mr Geoffrey Muthengi, a teacher of JoyTown Special School, Thika, shared that sentiment.

"I now see that the children feel more loved and accepted and are less bothered by their condition," he said as he prepared his pupils to present a song on national unity.

For the 2009 Rally, the club invited physically and mentally challenged children from 40 schools around Nairobi as well prominent guests from the private sector including industrialist Manu Chandaria.

Also present was Henry Wanyoike, the visually impaired marathon record holder, who was invited to inspire the children.

"I know that even if I have lost my sight, I have not lost my vision," he said amid applause.

He related how he lost his sight after a stroke that damaged his optic nerve and how he worked hard to be the best in marathon.

"I know that with determination and commitment, you will overcome your disabilities and achieve that dream in your heart," he said.

A similar message of hope came from Playback Band, a group of young disabled artistes associated with the Mathare Youth Sports Association. They belted out songs and skirts that touched on "disability is not inability."

According to an organiser, Hermond Halse, from Norway, Playback is meant to show that "children with hindrances" can be useful and fulfilled only if they are given opportunities and skill to nurture talent.

"This day is an excellent opportunity for the children to learn that they can make important contributions to the community," he said.

Wild sensation

However, the person whose entry caused the most sensation among the children was popular musician Paul Nunda, a.k.a ‘Juacali’.

When they learnt of his entry, they rushed to him and struggled to be photographed by his side. He had trouble making his way to the stage.

"Listen kids. If you work hard, the future is in your hands. As long as you are breathing, you have to thank God for that," he said.

He then went on to electrify the crowd with a selection of his popular songs.

Apart from the music, there were other activities: donkey rides, face paintings, and rally competitions.

Food and drinks flowed as Rotary Club of Nairobi officials served the children.

However, Mary Karogi, a senior teacher at JoyTown Special School said although it was a great idea to have a fun day for the disabled children, more could be done.

"There are many children with special needs who don’t get the care they deserve because special schools are too few and are poorly funded. Many talents are going to waste as a result," she said.

The Rally was sponsored by major corporate organisations including APA Insurance, Kenya Co-operative Creameries, Tru Foods, Unga Group, UUNET among others. Standard Group was the official Media partner.