Mariam Ndegwa and Catherine Njoroge prior to the day’s events
On 5th March, 2024 representatives from Next Step Foundation and Upili were invited to SA Joytown Secondary School for Parent’s Day for Form 1 students.
Parent’s Day, an all day event where parents/caregivers bring students to campus launching their schooling experience at Joytown, kicks off the academic semester.
Likely the first time most of the students have been away from their home and village, it is an emotional day for all.
Christopher Harrison, Next Step Foundation’s Executive Chairman, Mariam Ndegwa, Upili’s Campus Liaison, and Catherine Njoroge, Upili’s Senior Counselor joined Joytown administration, teachers and staff in presenting to and spending time with the parents. The day was filled with anticipation and excitement.
“I can’t imagine the emotions these parents must be experiencing. In a world that typically treats Youth with Disabilities as “other,” it is probably one of the few times they feel their children are being valued and welcomed.” Harrison shares.
“Parents who send their children to Joytown Special School are doing everything they can to give their children a chance—any chance—to live a “normal” life. The sacrifice they are making—financially, emotionally—is a testament to the universal love parents feel for their children, no matter what. Against all odds and in the face of enormous challenges, in that auditorium they were just parents who wanted the best for their children.”
Mariam Ndegwa and Catherine Njoroge in front of the Joytown School sign
Mariam, Upili’s campus liaison, had the opportunity to share with the Form 1 parents why the Upili Program is more than a work endeavor for her.
“I have done talks before, but it never felt this special. Parents listening and learning from me: someone with a disability just like their own children. Listening as I shared stories, getting a glimpse into the challenges their children experience and slowly beginning to understand disability better. One powerful statement was repeated over and over and has stuck with me: when you love an able-bodied child, you should love a disabled child twice due the stigma that surrounds them in life.“
As the day drew to a close it brought about contentment and connection for parents and Team Upili/Next Step Foundation alike.
It was a day which fostered a sense of hope for the future for the young new members of Joytown’s school community and feelings of connection and understanding for their caregivers and parents around the potential for Children with Disabilities to thrive in the outside world in a way they had never previously imagined.
