The #DontHideMe campaign, in powerful collaboration with Safe Surgical Aid (SSAID), is a pioneering national movement dedicated to supporting children with developmental disabilities. We advocate for their full inclusion in society and drive crucial systemic policy reform across Kenya and the African continent.
To dismantle the walls of isolation, stigma, and neglect that marginalize thousands of vulnerable children, asserting their fundamental right to dignity and opportunity.
#DontHideMe is the brainchild of Najma Osman, inspired by her personal journey as a mother raising her son, Abdullahi. Abdullahi, a young man with Down syndrome, is the face of hope for the campaign, embodying the courage and potential of children who are often hidden from society.
“Every child is a gift, and their disability is not a curse. When we hide them, we deny them their dignity and we deny the world the chance to see their light. Let us bring them out of the shadows, for they deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated just like any other child.”
Founder of #DontHideMe
In a significant victory for inclusive education, the Ministry of Education has revised its national guidelines in response to advocacy by SSAID. Stigmatizing terms like “Mentally Handicapped” have been replaced with respectful phrasing such as “Learners with Disabilities”. This change upholds the dignity of every child and charts a path toward stigma-free learning environments across Kenya
A formal letter on Safe Surgical Aid (SSAID) letterhead addressed to the Ministry of Education.
A formal document bearing the Ministry of Education’s official stamp and letterhead.
Najma Osman and the #DontHideMe team standing alongside senior Ministry of Education officials.
Becoming a Disability Ambassador is a commitment to ensuring no child is left in the shadows. We invite leaders, professionals, and community members to join our movement and help us advocate for visibility, dignity, and justice.
Here are the three primary ways you can join us:
We need dedicated individuals to join our regional outreaches and medical camps. Whether you are a healthcare professional (doctor, therapist, or nurse), an educator, or simply someone with a passion for service, your time is invaluable. Medical Outreaches: Help provide assessments and therapy in underserved regions. Event Support: Assist in organizing our "Field & Fun Days" and community barazas. Logistics: Support our team in distributing food, dignity kits, and assistive devices.
Your financial contributions are the engine that allows us to reach the most remote corners of Kenya. These funds go directly toward life-changing interventions. Medical & Therapy Camps: Funding the specialized doctors and equipment needed for outreach. Assistive Devices: Purchasing specialized cerebral palsy (CP) wheelchairs and hearing aids. Infrastructure: Building sensory rooms and upgrading special needs school facilities.
Advocacy is about changing hearts, minds, and laws. As an advocate, you use your voice and influence to dismantle the stigma surrounding developmental disabilities. Policy Change: Support our petitions to government ministries for respectful terminology and inclusive education. Awareness: Share our mission on social media and within your professional networks to end the culture of "hiding" children. Community Leadership: Act as a bridge between the #DontHideMe movement and local communities to encourage families to seek help and registration.
The #DontHideMe movement was born from the personal experience of our founder, Najma Osman, a mother raising her son, Abdullahi, who has Down Syndrome. Inspired by his courage, Najma launched the campaign to move children from the shadows into a life of dignity and opportunity.
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