Exporting Scouse nous

A group of people with learning difficulties from Merseyside has tackled negative stereotypes by volunteering in Kenya. Elizabeth Choppin reports

Tackling negative stereotypes of disability is an uphill battle around the world, not least in developing nations with limited resources and a varied understanding of basic human rights.

But a group of disabled people from the UK recently set out to do just that.

In September, six adults with learning difficulties, along with their support staff from Merseyside charity Options for Supported Living, spent two weeks in rural Kenya taking part in various projects serving the local community.

One of the core aims of the mission was to challenge the view that people with learning difficulties are only recipients of “care” or “support”, and to show that they can contribute to a better world.

In the village of Njarange, the team prepared a newly constructed multi-purpose classroom, which it had previously raised the money for, and which will be used by various groups, including disabled children.

“We helped paint and decorate the children’s school and it made me so happy, it was fantastic,” says participant David Warhurst.

“We wanted to help poor, disabled people have a better life and they were really happy with our help. I have now sponsored a child called Henri to help him with his educational needs.

“I found it really enjoyable. It was not difficult at all. I’d love to go back again.”

The team also ran workshops in partnership with Kenyan charity Napkenya, to help educate families with disabled children and to encourage a more “inclusive vision”.

Peter Murray, coordinator for Options for Supported Living, a group that provides support for disabled people who want to live indepen­dently, says: “People with disabilities can also be hidden in Kenyan society. We encouraged a more inclusive vision – one of integrating people with disabilities into society.”

He added that the group had shared their experience of independent living: “We shared how thinking has changed in Britain…the shift from institutional care to community-based independent living with support.”

Mr Murray adds: “By enabling six people with learning disabilities to be active in serving others in Kenya, our hope is that we have modelled value and respect towards people with disabilities, and that this would have a positive impact upon local people’s attitudes and perceptions towards people with disabilities in their own communities.”

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