Enroll special-needs girls in STEM programmes, parents urged

"All learners including those with special needs must have access to quality education. That means that these learners have to be assisted in an environment where they can act well," said Mr Abdi said during the launch of Ibuka Girls in STEM in Nairobi.

He said adoptive learning resources should be provided to learners with hearing, visual and all kinds of impairments.

Ibuka Girls in STEM programme is spearheaded by The Action Foundation and aims to enhance the interest, skills and knowledge of girls with disabilities in STEM-related fields.

The organization's Executive Director Maria Omare said the project will ensure girls living with disabilities increase their chances of enrolling in these career fields to raise future employability.

Omare explained that through other stakeholders like Google, they are implementing different tailor-made programmes aimed at attaining quality education.

"It is important to prepare teachers to meet individual needs of these girls. Tailoring our trainings to make sure that all girls with different kinds of disabilities can participate meaningfully," Omare added.

Ibuka Girls In STEM Programme lead, Stacy Irara, said the project helps girls realise their full potential.

"We are committed to providing necessary materials to these girls that would enable them to not only learn normally like other students but also achieve quality education," Irara said.

She added: "Our call to action is to bring everyone together because there are so many aspects in this project that need support."

The projects, the officials said, also seeks to establish STEM hubs in special and integrated secondary schools. The aim is to advance the uptake of STEM among girls with disabilities by providing them with tools and supportive environments to study.