From fifteen children to a centre of hope
What started in a few parish rooms in 2005 has grown, slowly and faithfully, into a centre recognised across Kenya and beyond.
The parish takes root
St. Peter Catholic Parish is established in Kaburugi by the Sons of Divine Providence, who soon see that the greatest need around them lies with children who have disabilities.
The centre begins
The Orione Community Training Centre opens. More than forty families come forward, but only fifteen children can reach the centre. The rest live too far, with no way to travel.
The first bus
Thanks to early benefactors, the centre buys its first vehicle, and children from distant villages can finally attend.
United Nations award
We receive the award for Best Practice on the Protection of the Rights of People with Disabilities from the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights.
The First Lady visits
Margaret Kenyatta, then First Lady of Kenya, visits the centre and publicly calls for more places like it.
Invited to the United Nations in Geneva
Through its then president, Professor María Soledad Cisternas, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities invites us to the 15th Session of the Committee in Geneva, with a Certificate of Participation.
Graduates stand on their own
Six of our graduated youth start their own farming project: the proof that independence is possible.
The UN Special Envoy visits
Ms. María Soledad Cisternas Reyes, United Nations Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility, visits during the launch of the good treatment of children and youth with disabilities.
Special Olympics International
We receive the visit and a letter of recognition from Mr. Nils Katberg, member of the Board of Directors at Special Olympics International.
H.E. Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH visits
At the time, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, today its President, visits our children and our therapy rooms.
International hands join in
Medical and rehabilitation teams from UC Chile travel to Kaburugi to train our staff and work with the children.
Visit by the bishop
The Bishop visits Kaburugi for a vibrant celebration embraced by the whole parish community.
Around fifty children, every day
Demand keeps growing, and so does the waiting list. Every child we reach is a family that no longer carries this alone.
"At home she would freeze whenever a visitor came. Now she can relate, she can smile, she can go outside without fear. I have seen my daughter improve."