IcFEM Gap Volunteers

Between 2001 and 2006, IcFEM Mission has supplied 780 wheelchairs and other mobility aids to three Districts within Western Province of Kenya, Mount Elgon District, Bungoma District and Lugari District. It is difficult to imagine how important these wheelchairs are to the disabled and sick. Without them they would be homebound and unable to work and children may be unable to attend school.

They have all been supplied by the Wheels for the World organisation which have been restored by prisoners in the UK. Although they have been repaired and have been distributed to the disabled in Western Province they need regular maintenance and repair. The terrain is often difficult and they have heavy usage. Some of the individuals have brought them back personally to be fixed, however there are many who can not afford the transport to and from the Headquarters in Kimilili.  

So through the District Officer the Mission will set up centres in the three Districts and organise days when the repairing service will take place. The service will be supported by the Mission lorry that will take spares and equipment to the sites. The work will be carried out by members of the Relief and Welfare department supported by gap students.

The work will give you the opportunity to work in the field and support the many disabled who have had a new lease f life through their chairs. For many they have ceased to be a burden on their family and are now contributing whether at work or by helping in the home. Through this project we hope to ensure that it remains so.

From the year 2005 IcFEM has been working with a University of de Hauge. The University supplies the Mission with volunteers who are studying Human Kinetic Technology for a period of 3 month starting in August every year. At Dreamland Medical Care Centre (DMCC) we have developed a workshop where mobility aids can be constructed from calipers, corsets, crutches and specially designed wheelchairs. Throughout the year we need more and more hands to help us get through the amount of work God has blessed us with. Many of the handicapped patients in the surrounding area are always advised to visit our Mission hospital; so please if you work in this field or are currently studying this area, you will be a blessing to the Mission if you visit us from 2 weeks to 6 months.