Best Buddies Kenya (BBK)
August 2007 Update – Report from the Field
Submitted by Enouce Ndeche, Executive Director BBK
ADDRESSING THE ONGOING NEED
Currently, BBK (Best Buddies Kenya) has four high school chapters and provides
support to 106 buddy pairs. Each buddy team consists of one buddy with an
intellectual disability and a non-disabled peer-buddy. We have been delighted
with the success of the program, which has grown considerably since it started
originally with just 30 buddy teams. However, it is estimated that over ten
percent of the people in Kenya have intellectual and/or physical disabilities, so
the need is great and there is still a lot of work to be done.
In my role as Executive Director, it is my responsibility to visit each chapter of the
BBK twice a month to provide training, guidance and support to the chapter and
faculty. The chapters are responsible for planning and organizing one-on-one
and group activities to encourage beneficial interactions between the buddies
and their peer buddies. By pairing a buddy with a non-disabled peer buddy, it is
the goal of Best Buddies International and BBK to foster friendships which will
help individuals with intellectual disabilities to build the self-esteem essential for a
happy and productive life. In reality, participation in the program has not only
enhanced the lives of the buddies by giving them greater self-confidence and
improving their interpersonal skills, it has also been extremely beneficial and has
enhanced the lives of the peer buddies. Peer buddies have reported that they
have gained a greater understanding, have become more comfortable in their
interactions and have a more positive attitude towards persons with intellectual
disabilities.
THE NGEI HIGH SCHOOL CHAPTER COMETOGETHER PARTY
As part of its ongoing program, the Ngei High
School Chapter planned an end-of-term cometogether party held on 28th of July 2007. The
event was a great success and was attended by
30 buddies together with their peer buddies. The
event was officially opened by Herman Mwangi,
the Chapter President, and by Malose, a student
with an intellectual disability who serves as the
Buddy Director and as the spokesman of the
buddies.
Malose, Buddy Director (in red
track suit), with his peer buddy.
Friendship Experience
The event gave the best buddy pairs an opportunity to
socialize and to also share their own personal
experiences since being paired up with their buddies
or peer buddies. Speech after speech, the pairs
shared their special friendship experience and
recounted the significant impact their friendship had
upon their lives and upon the society in general. As
the narratives continued, you could feel the energy in
the room increasing as participants recounted their
unique and shared experiences of friendship and
growth.
The session was wrapped up by Herman Mwangi,
Chapter President, who encouraged people to look
beyond the disability and to focus on what can be
done. In his words, “people with intellectual disability
have the ability and the capacity of doing what other
Chapter President Herman
able-bodied people can do and that people should
Mwangi (on right) with his
NOT look at their disability but rather their ability”.
buddy.
The Chapter President also encouraged his fellow
peer buddies to recognize that labels describe conditions, not people. Youth with
intellectual disabilities deserve to be recognized for their abilities, as unique
individuals, as equals and as friends.
Friendly Soccer Match
In the afternoon, the entire group continued the
celebration by playing soccer. They started off with a
15 minute warm-up that included a few soccer drills.
Then they formed 2 teams, ensuring that no one was
left out. After playing an hour of soccer, the match
ended in a draw. It was off to the changing rooms for
a quick shower before getting together for the big
party.
Party Time
Buddy partners warming up
for the game.
After an exhausting soccer match, all
the buddy pairs assembled in a hall to
have some drinks and snacks. They all
had fun and enjoyed the time spent
with each other before heading off and
wishing each other a happy vacation.
During the event, the participants
confirmed and showcased the mission
of Best Buddies Kenya which is to
enhance the lives of people with
intellectual disability by providing an
opportunity for one-to-one friendship and integrated employment. They also lived
up to its vision which is to see a world where people with intellectual disability are
successfully included in our schools, work places and social activities.
THE WORK CONTINUES
I would like to thank Best Buddies International, Global Giving and all individuals
who have contributed to the ongoing success of Best Buddies Kenya. We are
delighted to have the opportunity to enrich the lives of the 220 participants (106
pairs and 8 teachers), who partake in our program. Currently we are providing
services to boys and girls and young adults between the ages of 14 and 23. We
are committed to working to strengthen and maintain existing chapters and to
assist them with their planned activities to bring buddies and peer buddies
together. As the opportunity arises with increased funding, contributions and
involvement, we hope to be able to continue our work and to address the
ongoing need by adding new high school chapters to our program. To this end,
your contributions have been essential and we are extremely grateful for your
support.