The Standard Group, Kenya Institute of Management put smiles on needy children’s faces

The Standard Group Corporate Affairs Manager Ms Wanja Mwangi with a child at ACK St Luke’s Centre Hostel in Kitui yesterday. SG together with the Kenya Institute of Management donated foodstuff, among other utilities. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

By PAUL MUTUA

It was all smiles for 39 children with albinism and visual impairment at the Anglican Church St Luke’s Centre Hostel in Kitui town when The Standard Group and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) visited them on Tuesday afternoon.

The children sang and danced with all their hearts in praise of God for the donations that came in handy.

The centre’s manager John Mainga said the pupils who attend Kitui Central and Muslim primary schools faced many challenges.

Mainga said the deaf, dumb, blind and children with albinism experienced myriad problems stemming from lack of viable funding.

The Standard Group Corporate Affairs Manager Wanja Mwangi led workmates Cynthia Mate, the Commercial Department’s business leader Stephen Mumo, and KTN’s Angel Katusya, among others, in putting a smile on the children’s faces by giving them gifts.

KIM’s team comprised of Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Diana Kubebea, Sheilah Aduvaga and Pauline Lumiti.

Also present was genge artiste Hubert Nakitare commonly known as Nonini, who announced that a charity walk dubbed Colour Kwa Face would be held on August 17 at Uhuru Park.

Nonini said the walk under the theme Celebrating Our Differences was an initiative he launched last year to seek to protect albinos living in East Africa against discrimination and primitive practices.

Sunscreen lotions

“The charity walk intends to collect 100,000 sunscreen lotions, raise funds for education and create awareness of persons living with albinism,” the artiste said.

Ms Mwangi said The Standard Group was one of the sponsors of the Colour Kwa Face campaign.

“As The Standard Group Ltd we are delighted to be associated with ACK St Luke’s Centre Hostel. We are here today to join these children born with some misfortunes to encourage them in their lives as they grow to become useful and lucrative citizens,” she said.

Kitui deputy governor Peninah Malonza said her government was keen on addressing concerns that affected school-going children, especially those with special needs.

She said her government would spend Sh300 million in improvement of pre-primary infrastructure, pay teachers’ salaries, among other things.