Just keep painting, just keep painting

Today was another great day in the wonderful place of Kenya! This morning we went to Joy Town which is a school for disabled children.

We were taken to two different classes, first was a class with children who had mild mental or physical disabilities. This class (the sunshine class) were learning life skills such as brushing teeth, simple maths and other skills to prepare them hopefully to be able to attend Variety Village where they would hopefully be equipped with the vocational skills to be able to start their own business. The class presented a song to us which was lovely as they seemed really happy to be joining together in these songs.

The principal of the school then took us to the most severely challenged class of which was tied to the name 'special class' by the sign above the door. 99% of this class had cerebral palsy, and all of them had more than one condition. While some in the class were just entertained with toys or rattles made from water bottles, others were given basic tasks to do such as creating numbers with play dough.

Although I understand these are the lucky children for being able to get into school, I couldn't help but feel these children could have been given so much better quality of life. The children have one building which they eat, sleep and learn in which just doesn't given them any chance for fresh air, new experiences or anything more stimulating. That said, I know that the teachers and volunteers are doing an amazing job with the facilities that they have.

Something that struck me about the teaching and other staff is that their ratio is 10 children to 1 adult, when in the UK it can be 6 children to 1 adult (different depending on their setting and age) and that would be for able bodied children. The people who are caring for these children are amazing, but I can't help but feel like these kids could have more.

After Joy Town we went straight back to Thika School to carry on painting the second cost. The nursery is looking 10 times better than it did, it is clean and is looking more fresh. After we had done our painting slot for the day we went for a meal for lunch, on the way however we saw a car accident so please pray for those people and their families.

It's great to be able to see the things going on with the Salvation Army in Kenya and we have many stories to tell so far, so get ready for it when we get home. Not long now and you will be able to see us again, we know you have missed us.

Love ya all,
God bless
Beth Selfe