We have received inquiries and questions from many of you on #PeterNgarei, a #PolioVictim at Nginyang, East Pokot in Baringo County Kenya. The questions range from why we opted to highlight his case, why him and if we are dedicated to his empowerment. Thanks for the question Efrem Achaw. There are couple of reasons why Hifadhi Africa picked the story and I really and personally want to thank the team and also see him progress. And to be sure, I will do as much as I can to be part of his empowerment for the following reasons;
1. #Polio is the worst disease to affect humanity in history after leprosy. It is the worst possible thing to happen to a human. The world fought polio aggressively and billions of resources from governments, United Nations, Rotary International and Individuals were and are being injected to the same course. Names like Bill Gates John Cena come to mind, and of course Rotarians of all walks around the world. Impressive feat. The disconnect is that we have never seen such fight and aggression in resource mobilization extended to support victims of Polio. I could be young to know this because Polio fight started before I was born but I can authoritatively talk of my time and state that apart from wheelchairs and small-scale entrepreneurship support, there is never such action to rival similar commitment of Rotary and individuals like Gates and Cena. I hope Hifadhi Africa and our small list of friends on this #PeterNgarei succeed in changing the narrative. We must start to think of how we can empower victims of Polio, post-Polio menace.
2. Hifadhi Africa strongly beliefs that it is our responsibility to support and uplift those underprivileged and vulnerable in our midst regardless of their tribe, religion, race, gender, political inclination. It is a belief that I share. For this reason, I feel the obligation to participate in highlighting stories of people like #PeterNgarei because we grew together but also because they exist in our society regardless of what your definition of a society is. I believe people like BobnChris Cairns share this too that is why they responded to Hifadhi Africa’s call for help. They are dedicating their personal resources to helping him as they can.
3. I have met people with disabilities in Nairobi streets begging. I also met and interacted with strong willed people who have defied their disabilities to make life and living for themselves and their families. Some of them have challenged my convictions on some things and shaped my personality. I can mention Alieu Jaiteh, Natha Yare Orange BK Ashura Michael and Gina Auma among many. While Peter is socially and economically disadvantaged maybe compared to those I have mentioned (I don’t entirely know this to be true for I can’t talk of theirs’ social and economic state) and while those mentioned are abled differently and not affected by Polio, they share charisma, humility, wisdom, kindness and hard work traits with Peter. Peter needs just a small support to figure out his life and lives of those who are dependent on him.
