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Your Belongathon Impact in Nairobi, Kenya
At Karis Disability Services, our mission is to work together with people with disabilities to accomplish their goals and nurture communities where everybody belongs -- in Canada and around the world.
Your donations to the Belongathon are split between projects in Canada, like Family Camps, and a global initiative with one of our partners overseas. Last year, you helped raise money to establish and staff rehabilitation centres at Rare Gem Talent School and Mount Moriah Christian School, both in Nairobi, Kenya.
For almost 30 years, Karis has been partnering with pastors, educators, and leaders in countries outside Canada, providing framework, inspiration, and funding for accessible and inclusive education and development.
Mount Moriah has an excellent accessible education curriculum that serves a total of 190 students, 20 of whom have disabilities. Every student and teacher at Mount Moriah learns Sign Language, and students with and without disabilities learn together in inclusive classrooms.
Their journey toward accessibility and inclusion did not end with mandatory sign language classes. Last year, Mount Moriah proposed a new rehabilitation center to provide their community with physiotherapy, speech therapy, behavioral and developmental support, assessment and referral services, and guidance and training for caregivers. We partnered with them to make this happen – and we did it through funds raised at the Belongathon!
In a recent update from our partners in Nairobi, they’ve let us know the center is now fully constructed and operational and is serving children and caregivers in the community! They named the room “Karis Rehabilitation Centre,” honouring our partnership and your generosity.
During the school week, the center provides physiotherapy to students and community members like Sharon, who has Cerebral Palsy. This physiotherapy helps Sharon strengthen her muscles, which reduces her pain and increases her range of motion. On Sundays, the room is transformed into a sensory room for all to enjoy.
Dedicated spaces like this serve and support people with disabilities so they can receive the care they need. It also sends a clear message to the community that accessible spaces are important and worth investing in. The Karis Rehabilitation Centre, the accessible teachers, and other tools and resources will serve the community for years to come!
We're less than one month away from Belongathon 2026, happening in 16 cities in Ontario and Saskatchewan. This year, your donations will go toward local initiatives in Canada like Family Camp, and toward an accessible playground in Asella, Ethiopia. Like the physiotherapy room in Nairobi, Kenya, the accessible playground sends a clear message about the importance of accessible and inclusive spaces for children and families to enjoy.
Learn more about the Belongathon, sign-up, and donate today!