This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
Breaking the Silence on Dyslexia ¶
For many years, dyslexia was a taboo topic in Kenya, with families struggling to understand and support children with the learning disorder. However, thanks to the efforts of organizations and individuals, the country is slowly embracing the challenges of living with dyslexia.
Two young Kenyans, Shirleen Mwendwa Mugambi and Munene Mutwiri, share their stories of struggle and triumph in this article.
Shirleen's Story ¶
Shirleen Mwendwa Mugambi, 14, was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 10. Her mother, Josephine Kinya, recalls the early signs of dyslexia, including delayed milestones and difficulty with reading and writing.
"For the longest time, she wore her shoes and slippers interchangeably, with the right shoe on the left leg and vice versa, and her shoe laces were rarely tied," says Josephine.
Shirleen's struggles continued in school, where she was labeled as lazy and struggled to complete her homework. However, with the help of a special needs teacher, Shirleen was diagnosed with dyslexia and began receiving the support she needed.
Today, Shirleen is a confident and self-assured young woman who has become a dyslexia ambassador. She has presented a petition to President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Ministry of Education to address the needs of dyslexic children in Kenya.
Munene's Story ¶
Munene Mutwiri, now in his mid-20s, was diagnosed with mild dyslexia at the age of 15. His sister, Purity Munene, took charge of his care and support, recognizing that he needed help with reading and writing.
"I remember one day my sister had to send me to a specific shop on Luthuli Avenue. She explained for almost an hour how I walk there and identify the place, but the more she explained the more I got confused. Eventually, she took a pencil, drew a rough map and pointed out what I would see," says Munene.
Munene's story highlights the importance of early diagnosis and support for children with dyslexia. With the right help, children with dyslexia can thrive and reach their full potential.
As Kenya continues to embrace the challenges of living with dyslexia, it is essential to raise awareness and provide support for families affected by the learning disorder.
