Paolo's Home

Paolo's Home is a rehabilitation centre that provides physiotherapy services to physically disabled children in Nairobi's Kibera slum. The centre was established in response to a realization that there were many physically disabled children seeking assistance at the Ndugu Mdogo Drop-In Centre, also located in Kibera.

Paolo's Home was officially opened on December 10th, 2007 (click this link to read about the opening ceremony). It then started operations in March 2008, with a full time physiotherapist and a counselor, who also doubles as the initiative's coordinator.

Although the initiative had originally aimed to concentrate on 30 cases a year, the need for the services has proved to be overwhelming. This target was quickly surpassed when, in the first week alone, 46 children with disability were received at the centre.

People with disability are still stigmatized in Kenya, and although disabled children basically have the same needs as any other children, their handicap makes it much more difficult to fulfill those needs, more so in situations of poverty and stigma. Moreover, they are seldom included in overall developmental programmes, even the most basic ones like education. It is for this reason that Paolo's Home was established to help such children make the first step towards realizing their potential

Inspiration

This initiative was inspired by Paolo, a young man from Fabriano, Italy, who suffered from muscular dystrophy.

Paolo made a daily commitment to fight for the rights of the sick and the disabled. In spite of his physical condition, his courage, smile and positive attitude was an inspiration to many, and he radiated joy and hope to all who approached him.

Paolo died at the age of 36 in 2006. In his last years, he used the internet as a means to support and encourage other disabled people.

A group of Paolo's friends, who had visited Nairobi and Kibera, strove to support a project that will keep his memory alive and carry on with his commitment to improve the lot of the disabled. They provided funding for Paolo's Home, and continue to support its operations.

Physiotherapy Services

The centre offers free physiotherapy for children with physical disabilities. The aim is to improve their muscle function and mobility, ease physical pain and improve their blood circulation. This is done using methods such as massage, therapeutic stretches and exercise. The initiative also helps refer extreme cases to orthopedic specialists.Unfortunately, most families or guardians cannot afford the advanced orthopedic services, and Paolo's Home is currently unable to assist them meet the hefty costs.

The centre hopes to be able to facilitate access to artificial limbs, crutches and other physical aids for the physically disabled. In this regard, a closer relationship with the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK) and Kijabe Hospital is being pursued. APDK has so far helped one child obtain a walking aid.

Counseling

Many parents despair in the face of their child's physical disability. Paolo's Home provides a free counselling service for such parents. The aim is to give them faith that all is not lost for their children.

The centre's group therapy programme especially helps these parents share their experiences and find strength in each other.

Outreach Programme

The initiative has an Outreach Programme where the physiotherapist and the counsellor visit the homes of registered children to follow up on their progress. Owing to resource limitations, this programme is currently confined to the precincts of the Kibera slum, especially around Karanja & Sarang'ombe villages. The centre however hopes to expand its outreach into neighbouring areas, starting with Dagoretti and Mugumoini.