This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
December 23, 2019
Shirleen Mwendwa Mugambi, a 14-year-old student at Kitengela International School, was diagnosed with dyslexia after years of struggling in school. Her mother, Josephine Kinya, recounts the challenges they faced in getting Shirleen the help she needed.
Shirleen's journey began when she was just a toddler, exhibiting signs of delayed milestones and struggling with speech. Her mother thought it was normal, but as she grew older, the problems persisted. Shirleen would interchange sounds in words, wear her shoes and slippers interchangeably, and have trouble with handwriting and spelling.
Despite her parents' efforts to get her help, Shirleen continued to struggle in school. She was moved to different schools, but the problems persisted. It wasn't until she was diagnosed with dyslexia that her life began to change.
With the help of a special needs teacher, Shirleen was able to get the support she needed. She was enrolled in a school that administered the British curriculum, which has seen her performance improve tremendously. Her mother has witnessed her daughter's self-esteem improve, and Shirleen can now express herself confidently.
But Shirleen's story is not unique. Many children and adults live with dyslexia, struggling to read and write despite their intelligence and potential. Two young men, Munene Mutwiri and his brother, share their stories of living with dyslexia.
Munene, now in his mid-20s, was diagnosed with mild dyslexia after years of struggling in school. He remembers trying to express himself through writing, but his ideas couldn't be directly translated into words. He fell into depression, but with the help of counselling, he was able to get the support he needed.
Munene's sister, Purity, shares her experiences of raising him alongside their mother. She remembers thinking he was a normal baby, but as he grew older, it became clear that he had difficulties with reading and writing.
Both Shirleen and Munene's stories highlight the challenges faced by individuals living with dyslexia. But they also show that with the right support and help, it is possible to overcome these challenges and live a fulfilling life.
