Brief History
The Watoto Ciao informal inception goes back to 2005 in response to the need to care for the growing number of unattended children with disabilities found within the Kenyan Juvenile Justice System. The initial operations were done at the Nairobi Children Remand Home (Lower Kabete). Later, a need emerged from the surrounding community and few volunteers walked along local villages to create awareness on their right to care and social inclusion. Soon, many disabled children locked within their household compound were identified. The community was engaged and children’s health assessment with related interventions were extended across the whole location through the establishment of a volunteers’ team.
In response to the huge challenge raised by the striking numbers of disabled children found and the insufficient services available, the Watoto Ciao organization was officially established and fully incorporated as a Registered Trust by the Kenya Ministry of Lands in 2008.
Then, operational centers for health services provision were opened in Kingeero and Gathiga village clinics, and Nyathuna Sub-County hospital. Meanwhile, education was also identified as a priority realizing that the same children could not attend any school. Sensitization and support to local government school resulted in the establishment of special education units in Nyathuna, King’eero and Gathiga Primary Schools. At the same time, sensitization, awareness creation, and training was carried out targeting caregivers and relevant stakeholders. Along the years, Watoto Ciao has also been part of various short-term projects in partnership with the Kenya Government and child protection actors of the civil society.
The Team
Watoto Ciao operates under the coordination of the BOG’s Trust members, leading a team of staff, including the overall programs coordinator, occupation therapists and a social worker. A group of about 25 active local volunteers is responsible of the community outreach program.
