Mali Therapy Centre Integrated School Scales up to Accommodate More Children Living with Disabilities
PHOTO: Ushiriki Wema Foundation Chair Tessie Musalia, (right), Mali Integrated School Director Pauline Wamukowa (centre) and the M-PESA Foundation Trustee Patricia Ithau during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of Mali Integrated School at Mali Therapy Centre in Karen, Nairobi County on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 9 – The historic groundbreaking ceremony of Mali Integrated School marks more than the commencement of a construction project but represents the beginning of a transformative journey towards inclusive, equitable and quality education for all children.
Mali Integrated School and Center of Excellence is the first facility of its kind in East and Central Africa offering end-to-end solutions for autism and caregiver support.
The groundbreaking ceremony sets the pace by bringing together an integrated education system where Therapy, sports, technology, and art with caregiver support are entwined for a holistic experience, a recreational and resource hub for parents and caregivers with their families fulfills its vision for having an inclusive community around.
The School stands as a powerful symbol of inclusion, It embodies a vision where learners with and without disabilities learn together in a shared environment that celebrates diversity, promotes mutual respect and nurtures a sense of belonging.
Tessie Musalia, Chair and Patron Ushiriki Wema Foundation while speaking during the ground breaking said that integration is not an act of charity; it is an evidence-based approach to learning and development.
“Integrated education as you may be aware emphasizes the idea that all students should learn together, rather than in segregated settings”.
Mrs Musalia noted that the approach is particularly significant for students abled differently as it seeks to foster a sense of belonging & community while providing equal access to quality education.
“It promotes collaborative learning, encouraging peer interaction and mutual support, which can enhance educational outcomes for all participants”.
She added that a truly integrated society is never built by one institution alone, it requires government creating enabling policies, educators embracing diversity in the classroom healthcare professionals supporting early intervention, communities challenging stigma and development partners investing in long-term solutions.
“Ushiriki Wema Foundation’s efforts on awareness and advocacy for vulnerable populations and the MPESA Foundation’s investment in infrastructure is a statement about the Kenya we are building. Where philanthropy meets purpose, and where our partners choose to merge behind inclusion and integration”, She stated.
The establishment of Mali Integrated School is not only an investment in infrastructure but also an investment in the realization of these constitutional and legislative commitments.
Jane Wamugu, Regional Coordinator, National Council for Persons with Disabilities reaffirmed council’s commitment to the initiative highlighting that the Council will be a fundamental partner in ensuring that inclusion remains at the heart of Mali Integrated School.
Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to education for every child, while the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, reinforces Council’s commitment to disability inclusion by promoting accessibility, reasonable accommodation and equal participation in all aspects of life, including education.
“Through its mandate of promoting disability rights, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and equal opportunities, the Council will work closely with the school’s leadership, government agencies, development partners, parents and the community to support the development of an accessible and inclusive learning environment”, said Ms Wamugu.
“The Council stands ready to provide technical guidance on disability inclusion, accessibility standards, assistive devices and technologies, capacity building for teachers and staff, and the implementation of inclusive policies and practices”, she added.
“Together, we will ensure that Mali Integrated School becomes a model centre of excellence where learners with and without disabilities learn, grow, and thrive side by side, demonstrating that inclusive education is not only possible but essential for building an equitable and prosperous society”.
The facilities that will rise on the site will provide an enabling environment where all learners can thrive. Accessible classrooms, pathways, sanitation facilities, learning resources, assistive technologies, and inclusive teaching approaches will ensure that every learner receives the support necessary to succeed.
More importantly, the school will serve as a demonstration of best practice, showing how inclusive education can be effectively implemented to benefit all learners and strengthen communities.
She commended everyone who has contributed to making the vision a reality, the government agencies, development partners, community leaders, education professionals, parents and supporters, for their dedication and collaboration to the important milestone.
To the future learners who will walk through these gates, know that this school is being built with you in mind. It is being built to inspire dreams, unlock potential, and prepare you to become leaders, innovators, and responsible citizens.
“As construction begins, let us remain committed to ensuring that this project is completed to the highest standards of quality, accessibility, safety and sustainability”.
“We celebrate vision, We celebrate partnership. We celebrate progress. Above all, we celebrate the belief that every child matters and that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, participate and succeed”.
Mali Therapy Centre called on every stakeholder to; Commit to action: Enroll and advocate for early intervention and continuous inclusion in our communities.
Champion collaboration: Build-with urgency-the partnerships that will sustain therapy, technology, and caregiver support.
Invest with impact: Provide resources, training, and adaptive tools that empower our children and families.
Lead with courage: Stand up for policies and practices that place children first, every day.
Spread the message: Share Mall’s model as a blueprint for scalable, African-led solutions.
“Together, we will transform a deren into a living, thriving center that serves as a beacon across Africa. As Ancora Imparo reminds us-“And still I am learning-we will continually adapt, improve and expand to meet every child’s needs. Let us move from signposts of hope to bold steps of action”.
