People with disabilities often feel ignored and left out in many ways. Often they feel stigmatized. Many structures are unwelcoming to them, even worship centers. In Kenya the different communities have different ways of dealing with children born with disabilities. Most communities segregate such children as their birth is related to evil, witchcraft and is a bad omen. Some families may hide such members out of a sense of shame or to protect them from the negative attitudes of the society.
The majority of persons with disabilities find their situation affecting their chances of going to school, working for a living, enjoying family life, and participating as equals in social life. Disability exacerbates poverty by increasing isolation and economic strain. Persons with disabilities, who are denied education, are unable to find employment, driving them deeper into poverty leading to economic and social exclusion. HCF intends to spiritually equip persons with disability and also provide education; counseling and vocational training to enable them break out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
Due to the stigma and discrimination by the society, many people with disabilities end up with a low self-esteem and self-depreciation. Many of them suffer silently as they are unable or unwilling to express their true feelings to a society that has already judged them as “cursed”, “sinful” or “useless”.
People with disabilities often feel ignored and left out in many ways. Often they feel stigmatized. Many structures are unwelcoming to them, even worship centers. In Kenya the different communities have different ways of dealing with children born with disabilities. Most communities segregate such children as their birth is related to evil, witchcraft and is a bad omen. Some families may hide such members out of a sense of shame or to protect them from the negative attitudes of the society.
