In the soft morning light of Kericho County, something extraordinary is happening. A small but mighty organization—Arise and Shine CBO—is rewriting the narrative around disability in rural Kenya. What began as a local initiative has blossomed into a movement proving that when communities come together, transformation isn't just possible—it's inevitable.
The Turning Point
March 8, 2024, marked more than just registration papers for Arise and Shine. It became the day a group of determined Kenyans declared: Our children deserve more.
Meet Sarah, a single mother of twins with cerebral palsy. Before finding Arise and Shine:
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Spent 18 hours daily caring for her children
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Survived on one meal a day
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Faced constant stigma from neighbors
Today, through the organization's vocational program, she:
✔ Runs a thriving reusable diaper business
✔ Employs two other mothers
✔ Sends her twins to weekly therapy sessions
The Arise and Shine Difference
Three pillars make this organization unique:
1. The "Two-Generation" Approach
While most programs focus solely on either children or caregivers, Arise and Shine simultaneously:
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Develops children's skills through occupational therapy
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Trains parents in income-generating activities
2. From Charity to Self-Sufficiency
Their model intentionally transitions families from:
Dependency → Training → Entrepreneurship → Mentorship
3. The "Compound Effect" Strategy
Every intervention is designed to create multiple benefits:
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Peanut butter production trains women while providing nutritious food for disabled children
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Awareness campaigns educate communities while identifying hidden cases needing support
By the Numbers
In just over a year:
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47 caregivers gained financial independence
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83 children received regular therapy
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12 villages now have disability advocates
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5 churches incorporated inclusion messaging
The Ripple Effects
The true impact extends beyond statistics:
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Changed Perceptions: Neighbors who once crossed the street now volunteer to help
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Economic Shifts: Local markets now stock products made by program participants
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Policy Influence: County officials consult Arise and Shine on disability matters