Trips to the beach or Disney World are typical summer vacations. But the summer experience Kate Schuit presented to a recent college anthropology class was anything but typical.

Schuit, coordinator of Student Life at Carroll, traveled to Kenya in July, 2006 to meet with and help disabled children left and forgotten by their families. She joined other volunteers who participated in the trip under the guidance of Kupenda for the Children, a non-profit humanitarian group.

Although Kenya boasts much natural beauty and can be a sightseer’s delight, it also has a sad, hidden side. Due to old superstitions, Kenya’s disabled children are considered curses to their families. These unwanted children are too frequently given up by their parents, or neglected. Some are kept hidden inside homes. In the most extreme cases, some are even killed.

Parents who are overwhelmed by the nutrition, education, and medical needs of disabled children need training and assistance. Teachers need information and resources to handle already overcrowded classrooms, which include disabled students. That’s where Kupenda for the Children comes in. The organization coordinates child sponsorships, raises public awareness about the issues, and suggests ways the public can contribute financially.

Schuit was no stranger to Kenya. She lived there as a child with her family. She was invited on the summer trip to serve as a guide for the group in this unknown territory and to translate Swahili. As it turned out, Schuit also spent time directly with the children while their caretakers were receiving instruction and aid from volunteers.

Schuit established many close relationships with the children, some of whom had club feet, cerebral palsy, and hearing impairments. “I remember the flood of kids greeting me at the door to the school. Many of them could not communicate at all, while others were using sign language. After a few hours, we were able to find ways of communicating,” she said.

During her time with the children, Schuit introduced them to bubbles, coloring books, games, and computers. Many children were seeing these for the first time. Schuit was impressed with how the children thrived and learned with small amounts of attention from her group.

Schuit said a Disability Awareness Day for the community drew about seven or eight hundred people, who were eager to learn more about how to help the children.

“I experienced the need people have for love on a very profound level. It’s a need that transcends cultures,” Schuit said.

Coordinator of Student Life Kate Schuit with the children in Kenya.

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