Mama Ngina University College (MNUC) recently conducted a community engagement initiative in Mang’u, Gituamba, and Ngenda Wards of Gatundu, Kiambu County, aimed at promoting inclusive education and strengthening parental support for foundation learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

The assembled multidisciplinary team engaged education stakeholders, parents, caregivers, teachers, health workers, and community leaders through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and awareness sessions. The initiative sought to understand the educational experiences of learners with disabilities, identify challenges affecting their inclusion, and gather evidence to inform future interventions.

The engagement revealed growing awareness of inclusive education within the community, while also highlighting challenges such as inadequate learning resources, limited specialized teachers, stigma, and insufficient support systems for families. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration among schools, families, health providers, and government agencies to improve learning outcomes for children with disabilities.

The findings from the initiative will inform future interventions, policy recommendations, and strategies aimed at strengthening inclusive education and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all children.