Kenyan Paraplegic Organization milestones since inception
Since registration in March 2004, a lot of water has already passed under the KPO bridge. From the onset our sights were trained on emerging as a focused, organized and results oriented organization. The following milestones provide a glimpse into activities that inform our one-year existence.
Conceptualization: KPO started as an idea after sharing on the plight of persons living with spinal cord injuries by the founding directors. By December 2003, the directors were agreed that instead of ad hoc interventions, a structured approach would go along way in consolidating ideas towards alleviating the long suffering paraplegics. The application process thus started in the last quarter of 2003.
Christmas Party: In December 2003, the directors held an end of year party for patients at the National Spinal Injury Hospital. During the party, the directors explained the intention of setting up the NGO. At this point in time, the application papers had already been lodged with the NGO Co-ordination Bureau, which is the Government body that licenses NGOs.
Office Set-up: Recognizing the fact that a well organized office would go along way in ensuring service delivery, KPO directors mobilized resources that went into equipping the secretariat with the necessary facilities such as ICT infrastructure, record keeping tools, furniture, etc etc.
Development of Policy Material: In January and February 2004, the directors hired one staff members and started developing materials such as the master proposal, formulation of vision, mission, goals and objectives, and streamlining management in anticipation of the NGO certificate of registration.
Registration: KPO received her certificate of registration in March 2004.
First Donation: On 3rd June 2004, KPO directors mobilized resources for the purchase of an automated wheelchair for one of the directors and a standing table for therapy use at the National Spinal Injury Hospital.
Joy Town Donation: On 15th June 2004, KPO responded to an appeal by a young girl at Joy Town School for the Disabled who didn't have an appropriate wheelchair. Because theirs are spinal cord injuries meaning paralysis from the point of the injury downwards, paraplegics need special wheelchairs.
Initial networking: As a new NGO, it was deemed important that KPO networks with like minded organization to familiarize with NGO and humanitarian sub sector. Towards this end, a staff member attended a workshop on HIV-Aids on June 19th at the Kenya Science Training College. This activity proved invaluable as KPO made contact with NGO specialists that have been helpful in charting out course of the organization.
Members Breakfast: Well aware that KPO was formed to directly improve the lives of persons living with spinal cord injuries, the organization had a breakfast meeting with member-patients and members who have already re-integrated into society. During this meeting the Directors expounded on the core values and objectives of KPO and members made various suggestions on way forward.
Giants Assistance: On 25th July 2004, the Giants Group of Nairobi responded to an appeal by KPO for wheelchairs for patients at the National Spinal Injury Hospital. Members of the Community came in big numbers and the donation of wheelchairs was converted into a fun filled event.
Ministerial Visit: KPO's lobbying and advocacy received a boost when the Minister for Health, Hon. Charity Kaluki Ngilu visited the secretariat accompanied by Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Moses Wetang'ula in July 2004.
Launch: To announce to the world that an organization focused on helping paraplegics live a near-to-normal lives has been formed, KPO was launched at a ceremony presided over by Vice President Moody Awori and attended by an array of political, business and professional leaders as well hundreds of wheelchair bound persons.
Corporate Outreach: In the spirit of corporate organizations giving back to society, the Safaricom Ltd staff visited patients at the National Spinal Injury Hospital on 21st August 2004.
Good Neighbors: Domestic Refuse Disposal Services, a hygiene service provider located near the KPO Lenana Road offices made a donation of various equipment to KPO members on 27th August 2004. The company's staff also planted trees at the National Spinal Injury Hospital.
Making Good a Commitment: The Safaricom Foundation had made a commitment of Kshs 1 million during the launch. On 5th September 2004, the Chairman of the Foundation Mr. Les Baillie presented the cheques to the day's chief guest Hon. Dunson Mungatana in the presence of members, staff and directors.
Awareness and Sensitization Workshop: In order to benefit from the wealth of experience of NGO and humanitarian professionals, KPO the publicity workshop steered by Ufadhili Foundation and graced by the Chairperson of the National Council of NGOs Amb. Orie Rogo Amnaduli.
Wheel Walk Challenge: In a bid to raise awareness and sensitize the public on the plight of persons living with Spinal Cord Injuries, KPO planned and successfully executed a wheel walk on 9th of October 2004 in which over 2000 people from all walks of life participated.
Australian Friends: KPO entered into discussions and eventually did a proposal to the Australian High Commission for support in buying mobility equipment. This proposal sailed through and on 29th October 2004, H.E. the Australian High Commissioner Mr. George Atkin made a presentation with Assistant Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Noah Wekesa serving as chief guest. From KPO's relationship with the Australian High Commission, Madam Noraidah Atkin is helping with the Counseling Department which is housed at the National Spinal Injury Hospital.
Medical Corporation Donation: On 10th of November 2004, the General Manager of Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals Mr Harsh Maroo, who is also associated with the Oshwal Youth League, an organization with which KPO has a close relationship, made a donation of wheelchairs at the KPO premises.
Income Generating Project: Having successfully written a project proposal to the Safaricom Foundation, KPO launched a joint community telephone service project on 26th November 2004. The chief guest was Madam Ida Betty Odinga, the chairperson of Kenya Women Political Caucus and CEO of East African Spectre, assisted by the Secretary General of Kenya Union of Journalists Mr. Ezekiel Mutua.
Internet Connection at the National Spinal Injury Hospital
Aware that information is power, more so to the spinally impaired, the KPO successfully facilitated internet connection at the National Spinal Injury Hospital. This was made possible by assistance that the organization received from Mrs. Zarin Merali- Advisory Board members and indeed a key pillar of KPO.
The patients are now empowered in the facets of Information.
KPO and indeed the hospital fraternity will forever remain indebted for the assistance
Readathon Project: KPO successfully organized an Advocacy cum a social responsible event christened the Readathon project on Jan 30 2006 at the Nile Road Secondary School.
The event was meant to inculcate a reading culture among the students.
As a fundraising event the school received books donated by Longhorn Publishers, text Book Centre among other individual donors. The event presented a perfect chance for KPO to resonate with the students living with disabilities who are a crucial constituency of the school.
The assistant minister for education Hon. Kilemi Mwiria was the guest honour |
