Former Harambee Stars defender Ricky Solomon recently launched the Ricky Solomon Foundation, aiming to nurture and grow football talents across Kenya’s coastal region.As part of this mission, Solomon teamed up with his long-term friend Patrick Muzungu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sahanajand Special School in Mombasa County, to support children with disabilities.The retired footballer recently visited the school and donated footballs, hoping to inspire the students and foster a love for sports within the community.Inside Kenya Premier League’s plan for a new competition involving every countyMuzungu has spent years championing education for children with disabilities, and his work has not gone unnoticed.He was recognized by former President Mwai Kibaki for his dedication. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) also recently honoured Muzungu for his dedication, recognizing him as a teacher with “a big heart.”The special institution he leads offers education and care for students with a range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.##NAJAVA_MECA_8400970##It operates as a multi-purpose development institution, catering to the deaf, blind, those with cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, and individuals with behavioural and emotional disorders.For Muzungu, the motivation behind the school is deeply personal.”The community brought us these children, and we could not turn them away. We had to make room and find ways to provide them with an education,” he explained.Blow for Harambee Stars as star midfielder picks up injury ahead of Cameroon gameHe grew up watching his deaf aunt suffer in an abusive marriage. Her deafness made it hard for her to share her plight with anybody.When he earned his first salary as an untrained teacher in 1985, Muzungu refunded his aunt’s bride price and took her back to her family to ease her suffering.It is this empathy that would make Muzungu opt for a diploma in special education, majoring in hearing difficulties, when he got a chance to further his education.##NAJAVA_MECA_8400978##He now holds a Bachelor of Education degree (religious studies and the Kenya sign language) and has been at the helm of Sahajanand since 2007.He has seen the school grow from a single classroom in Mtwapa Primary School, to its current population of 1,000 students in primary school, 387 in secondary school, and 69 in the special primary unit.To support this, the school employs 72 Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers who are committed to the children’s growth.Hussein Mohammed ditched by Twaha Mbarak in new FKF Elections realignmentsThis centre incorporates a special school, a vocational training wing and an integrated technical secondary school.All these special units and Mtwapa Primary and Mtwapa Secondary School are sponsored by Mombasa Cement Company. They comprise the Mtwapa education complex.The school’s teaching methods are carefully adapted to each child’s needs, with interpreters, note-takers, and researchers supporting the teachers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8400982##Beyond academics, Sahanajand Special School recognizes the role of incorporating sports and education to ensure holistic development. The students participate in physical activities through Mombasa Cement FC.For Solomon, this aspect is particularly exciting, as he believes sports can be transformative.”I want these kids to know that they are capable of achieving great things,” Solomon offered.Together with Muzungu, they hope to create a space where children with disabilities can thrive, find joy in sports, and pursue their dreams.
