Mbeere South: Deaf Schools in the Eastern Region have benefited from sports equipment from a non-governmental organization, aimed at enhancing learning and promoting sports development and inclusion for deaf learners. Through donations from the Deaf Outreach Program (DEAFOP), three institutions, St Luke’s and Mary Magdalene Schools for the Deaf in Embu County and Machakos School for the Deaf in Machakos County, were equipped with volleyballs, uniforms, nets, and knee caps. They will also get trained coaches to enable the learners to develop the necessary skills, according to DEAFOP Founder and Director Gloria Njoki.

According to Kenya News Agency, Njoki said they are seeking to use sports, particularly volleyball, as a tool for empowering learners with hearing impairments to foster life skills, teamwork, and confidence. Speaking during the handover of the equipment at St Luke’s School for the Deaf in Mbeere South Constituency, Njoki emphasized the role of sport in holistic learner development. ‘Sport is a powerful tool to promote student confidence and performance, both in and outside the classroom. It helps learners navigate real-life situations through teamwork, strategy, and resilience,’ she said.

The Director said sports go beyond competition by teaching students how to collaborate, handle wins and losses, and develop critical thinking, noting that these skills will serve them in school, life, and in future workplaces. St. Luke’s Principal, Michael Nyaga, welcomed the program, saying it aligns well with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes talent development applicable in real-life situations. ‘This initiative supports physical activity as a potential career path, particularly for learners with physical ability but limited opportunities,’ said Nyaga.