By Andrew Mbuva.
Hundreds of vulnerable residents in Mwala Sub-County have received much-needed support from the Masisya Foundation in a humanitarian initiative aimed at uplifting disadvantaged members of society through education, disability support, and menstrual health assistance.
The event, held in Masii Town, brought together persons living with disabilities, needy families, students, and community leaders as the foundation rolled out a countywide empowerment programme targeting the less privileged.
Among the beneficiaries were persons living with disabilities, particularly elderly residents, who received wheelchairs and crutches to improve their mobility and enhance their quality of life. Girls from various schools also benefited from donations of sanitary pads, an initiative aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and reducing school absenteeism among learners.
In a major boost to education, more than 100 students from needy and vulnerable families received bursary cheques worth at least KSh5,000 each, with a total of KSh500,000 disbursed during the event. The bursaries are expected to ease the financial burden on families struggling to keep their children in school.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it would significantly improve their lives.
Douglas Muendo Musili, who received a wheelchair, said the donation would enable him to move around more freely and participate in community activities.
“I am very happy because this wheelchair will help me move around at home, go to the market, and even attend church services. Previously, I relied on improvised walking sticks and would sometimes fall,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Dominic Mwania, welcomed the support, noting that the wheelchair would greatly improve his mobility and independence.
Joshua Muindi also expressed his joy after receiving a wheelchair, saying he would now be able to travel more easily to church and the market. His wife, Francisca Mutheke, said the donation had brought relief to the family.
“I used to carry him around because moving was very difficult. This wheelchair has made life much easier for both of us,” she said.
Speaking during the event, Masisya Foundation Chief Executive Officer Julius Masisya Musyoki said the organisation had distributed wheelchairs, walking sticks, sanitary towels, and bursaries worth KSh500,000 to support vulnerable residents and students.
He said the initiative would be expanded across the entire Mwala Sub-County before being rolled out to other parts of Machakos County.
“Our focus is on education and empowering vulnerable members of society. We want to ensure that no child stays at home because of school fees and that every person living with a disability who needs mobility support receives it,” said Masisya.
The foundation's intervention has been hailed as a lifeline for many struggling families, with residents calling for continued support to reach more vulnerable people across the county.
