Keeping the children fed at Isiolo School for the Deaf

"The response from parents at the onset was very poor in regards to school fees. We need assistance because everyone is suffering because of the drought. Feeding 104 children is a real task because they need breakfast, lunch and supper. The situation is an emergency because at the moment because there is a lack of water at the school. There is a water crisis in the whole region. We’re paying for electricity, water bills and maintenance.

Unlike other children where parents are usually concerned for their welfare, these children are neglected even by their own parents. Unless we have donors we cannot continue our operations.

"The children are blessed today and I really appreciate your support. We had run out of food with nothing to serve for dinner. Luckily we have ActionAid who came today. You have saved us because we didn’t have any more food.

"The school today had a crisis. I called an emergency meeting because we had run out of food. This is an emergency situation because we were about to close the school. But thank God ActionAid come into the picture. Luckily you are here today.

"Deafness is challenging because it is a hidden disability. If you see someone walking you assume they do not have a disability. Bringing these children up is a big challenge. Right now we have children as young as 4 years old and these children are supposed to be with their parents so it is a big trauma for many of them. But they need assistance with their education.

"Currently we are receiving children from different parts of Kenya. The enrolment when I started in 2010 was 59 and now it’s about 104. The number is going up especially with the drought because many of these children are a burden to their parents, so we end up bringing them up. We’ve become their parents."