World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 Celebrations in Sotik, Bomet County
"Every person deserves a life filled with dignity, respect, and opportunity,"
It was a bright, hopeful morning in Sotik, Bomet County. The air was filled with anticipation as families, caregivers, and community members gathered to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024. The Theme of the day being #Uniquely CP!. The event, a symbol of awareness and inclusion, was proof of the strength and resilience of children and adults living with cerebral palsy in the region. At the heart of the celebration was a team of staff from ADS SR Bomet CCCD (Child Centered Community Development) project. They had come prepared, bringing with them not just expertise but also a sense of warmth, empathy, and commitment to inclusivity.
The event venue AIC Church Grounds Sotik, was alive with vibrant banners. Participants wore green T-shirts, the color symbolizing cerebral palsy awareness. There were moments of laughter, quiet conversations, and shared experiences. For many, this day was not just about celebrating life but also about educating the wider community on the importance of understanding and supporting those living with cerebral palsy. ADS SR’s Bomet CCCD project’s presence was deeply felt. They have been working to create a more inclusive society for children and persons with disabilities, and today’s celebration was an opportunity to amplify their message. The project facilitated 10 caregivers and 5 children to attend the event and in addition, supported other logistical requirements to make the event successful.
The event brought together various stakeholders, representatives from the National Government, the Office of the Member of Parliament, Social Services, the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD), children, caregivers, and the community at large. Key highlights of the day were moving speeches from various speakers who, with compassion and sincerity, reminded the crowd of the importance of understanding cerebral palsy, demystifying myths, and breaking the stigma. They spoke about the challenges these children face but also emphasized their potential, resilience, and the need for the community to offer unwavering support. Persons living with Cerebral Palsy also got an opportunity to share their experiences living with the conditions. In their testimonies, the message was clear: cerebral palsy might present challenges, but it certainly did not define these children’s futures.
World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 in Sotik was more than just an event—it was a movement. A movement towards greater awareness, inclusion, and understanding. Thanks to the efforts of ADS SR Bomet CCCD project and other like-minded key stakeholders like the Red Cross, World Vision, Equity Bank, and New KCC, the community left with not only a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by those with cerebral palsy but also a renewed commitment to stand by them, ensuring that no child is left behind.
For Sotik, and Bomet County at large, this day will be remembered as a turning point—one where they came together to create a world that embraces diversity and fosters hope for all!.
