Happy new year to all of you! SEP wishes you a healthy and productive year where we join hands to build a better world for the children with disabilities and their caregivers. We concluded 2025 after a very hectic period, and the team looked forward to a well-deserved holiday to rest and recharge. 

Looking back at the final months of 2025, our interns participated in a training on reflexes, learning how to identify retained reflexes and how to address them during therapy sessions and in the classroom.

Home visits continued with another round in Kaewa, where it was very encouraging to see the progress many children had made thanks to the assistive devices and the dedication and the skills of caregivers using it effectively.

The Inclusive Education Project closed the year with inspiring performances by learners, who shared what they had learned about seven different disability conditions. Parents in the audience were deeply moved by the messages conveyed.

In collaboration with a partner organization, caregivers were trained to make cakes and yoghurt using locally available tools commonly found in their kitchens. We hope these new skills will provide an income-generating opportunity for their community support group.

Towards the end of the year, SEP welcomed representatives from two donor organizations. It is always a pleasure to share on-the-ground experiences and allow donors to see firsthand the impact of the project they support.

Wezesha continued its rural consultations, sharing encouraging success stories while also facing significant nutrition challenges due to prolonged drought in some areas. The team identified several children with severe malnutrition, which became a primary focus for intervention.

SEP is also delighted to expand its reach to a new community in cooperation with COTRR, a long-term partner. The program began with training caregivers to take on the role of community health promoters, followed by an initial consultation to get to know the children and families in the area. 

As part of the SEP assistive devices program, interns were trained in designing and fitting splints to help children develop confidence in using their hands functionally.

Finally, Kolabo and SEP organized music events to raise funds for project activities. The audiences thoroughly enjoyed the performances and the opportunity to connect with one another.

With deep gratitude to all who walk this journey with us!

Reflexes in Action: Intern training                                                                                      Reflexes are an integral part of development, however if retained past the required developmental age, they can hinder the progression of functional performance. This workshop focused on revision of the neonatal, primitive and pathological reflexes, their function, testing, consequences in case retained and reflex inhibition strategies. The participants were guided on ways to identify retained reflexes effects in their specific domain of practice be it in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or special needs education.

From Prescription to Performance                                                     In October, the team conducted home visits which are essential for evaluating the real-life impact of assistive devices as they allow to assess use and progress in the environment where daily activities actually take place. Observing children in their own homes allowed to understand how the assistive devices were integrated into daily routines and how they supported functional participation. Importantly, all caregivers reported noticeable progress in their children since receiving the devices and described meaningful changes such as improved independence, comfort, and participation in everyday activities.  By engaging directly with families in their homes, the team also strengthened collaboration with the caregivers, addressed practical challenges, and offered tailored guidance. Overall, the home visits confirmed that evaluating progress where it truly matters—at home—provides a more accurate, meaningful, and holistic understanding of the impact of assistive devices.

Peers as Advocates: Building Awareness Together                          In the third trimester, three schools hosted lively awareness events to bring the community into the inclusion process. The teachers took the lead in organizing these events, with SEP stepping back to let the schools take ownership. The children became the stars of the day, presenting skits, dances, songs, and poems that shared what they had learned about different disabilities. Their performances were full of energy and enthusiasm, captivating parents and community members alike. Through creativity and expression, the children conveyed a heartfelt and accessible message about inclusion, showing first-hand the impact of learning, understanding, and embracing diversity.

Bake and Yoghurt off the Grid                                                                                  Recently,  a hands-on training in cake and yogurt making was conducted in one of the Wezesha communities in partnership with Dorcas Creation Kenya. The trainer equipped participants with practical culinary skills they can use to create delicious treats—and hopefully, generate income. A key feature of the training was introducing a versatile kitchen tool avoiding the use of gas or electricity.  The training empowered participants to experiment and expand their culinary creations. By combining practical skills with smart, available tools, the training aimed to inspire independence, confidence, and the potential for small-scale entrepreneurship—helping participants turn their newfound skills into meaningful opportunities.

From Funding to Field: Donor Evaluation Visits                                                Representatives from eRko and West-Vlaanderen Wereldhuis visited SEP in November and December respectively. Donor visits to project sites are a vital part of building transparency, trust, and collaboration between both parties. By seeing projects first-hand, they gain a clear understanding of how their contributions are being utilized and the real-life impact on the communities they aim to support.Our donors were able to engage directly with beneficiaries, hear their stories, and witness the outcomes of interventions in context. The eRko representative witnessed a sibling workshop and therapy intervention in one of the projects. The Belgian team visited two schools to see the impact of the inclusive education project, and the land where the AT workshop will be build. These experiences not only provided tangible evidence of progress but also highlighted challenges and areas where further support may be needed. The visits inspired confidence, encouraged continued investment, and created opportunities for dialogue and learning that are difficult to achieve through reports alone.

Mobile Consultations to Arid and Remote Areas                                                      The Wezesha Programme continued to embrace a multidisciplinary approach to care. Joint community consultations involving therapists and special needs educators provided families in rural settings with comprehensive assessments and well-coordinated intervention plans. It has been encouraging to observe improvements in children’s development and overall health following targeted dietary interventions for severely malnourished children. In addition, the support groups have played a significant role in enhancing social well-being and promoting economic empowerment.

Expanding Horizons through Partnership                                                                 Community Health Promotors (CHPs) play a key role in strengthening primary healthcare in rural and underserved communities by promoting health education, supporting early identification of conditions, and improving access to care. Recognizing this SEP, in collaboration with COTRR, organized a structured training in Mukurweini to equip caregivers with the skills needed to function effectively as CHPs.Ten caregivers were selected based on their involvement in childcare and community engagement. The training focused on understanding the CHP role, child development and red flags, common disabling conditions, early referral, health education, and promoting children’s rights and inclusive practice

Crafting Comfort for Little Hands                                                                 The AT SEP professional made 20 splints for young children in the projects and in rural set ups. Splints provide support, stability, and the freedom to move, play, and learn. They help maintain joint alignment and improve function. Early intervention with splints helps children develop confidence in their movements, participate more fully in play and learning, and lay the foundation for long-term functional independence. He trained intern members in the project organisations where they could practise designing and fitting splints. Therapists play a key role: mastering splinting ensures each device fits comfortably and works effectively, unlocking a child’s full potential. Skilled hands mean children can explore, grow, and thrive with greater independence. Skilled therapists can assess, design, and adjust splints to ensure they are both effective and comfortable, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

Beats for a Cause, Sound of Support                                                 Kolabo organized a morning apéro concert, while SEP hosted an evening live band performance. Both events brought together friends, partners, and supporters of SEP’s work, creating vibrant spaces for connection and shared purpose. The gatherings offered an opportunity to enjoy music in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Coming together for a good cause, while enjoying good company and a lively ambiance, reinforced the strong sense of solidarity around SEP’s mission and reminded everyone that making a positive impact can also be joyful and inspiring.