Sanlam Kenya PLC and the Sanlam Foundation, in partnership with the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation (GHF) in Kenya have announced a more than Kshs 5.6 million collaborative partnership to alleviate the plight of physically challenged children in Kenya. This partnership has been enabled by the Allianz Group Social Impact Fund, an integral part of the group’s Corporate Citizenship Strategy to support next generations and persons with disabilities to overcome systematic social risks.
The partnership, which targets more than 300 children, will focus on enhancing social and communication skills, promoting social inclusion, and improving the functional abilities of children with disabilities in Kenya.
By providing such skills and promoting social inclusion, the partnership aims to equip children with disabilities with the tools necessary to prepare them to navigate the local job market confidently in future.
Speaking at the launch of the “Enabling Children with Disabilities for a Brighter Tomorrow project”, Sanlam Kenya PLC Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo, said the initiative will integrate tailored occupational therapy interventions, sports and art activities for the inaugural cohort of more than 50 children, enhancing their functional abilities, independence, and overall quality of life.
“At Sanlam, we are proud to partner with the Gertrude Hospital Foundation (GHF) in Kenya in this noble initiative to foster a sense of belonging and promote independence among participants. Ultimately, the programme aims to foster social inclusion and acceptance, positioning children with disabilities to participate in educational and vocational opportunities, thus enhancing their employability prospects,” Dr Tumbo said.
During the launch event, Ms Nozizwe Vundla, Head of the Sanlam Foundation, said the Foundation’s mandate is to be the custodian of Sanlam’s legitimacy as a responsible corporate citizen in Kenya and across Africa.
“To create shared value in Africa, the Sanlam Foundation drives increased positive social impact and helps protect Sanlam’s reputation as a trusted, relevant organisation that is part of the fabric of the societies within which the Group operates,” Ms Vundla said. She added: “In Kenya, we want to be at the forefront of transformation in the financial sector and support communities to live with confidence through empowerment initiatives like the Gertrude Hospital Foundation/Sanlam Enabling Children with Disabilities for a Brighter Tomorrow project.”
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital CEO, Dr. Robert Nyarango, reiterated that the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation aims to enhance the independence and economic potential of children with disabilities in Kenya by developing their social and functional skills. He expressed regret that, in Kenya, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face significant barriers to accessing formal employment despite existing incentives to encourage more inclusion.
Said Dr Nyarango: “The Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation’s paediatric health intervention programs deliver diagnostic, treatment and care services at no cost, particularly to children in hard-to-reach areas of Kenya. Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation’s mission is to improve access to quality healthcare services for disadvantaged children in Kenya and Eastern Africa through the integration of care, research, education, and technology. The Foundation believes that expanding access to quality healthcare can significantly enhance the developmental prospects of every child.”