Mary Wang’ang’a, a National Heroine
Adapted with permission of the author, Connie Cheren.
The Problem
In 2015, Mary was a student at a university in Eldoret. There was an accident, and one of her friends was left paralysed.
Then came the part that changed the direction of Mary’s life: nobody could find her friend a specialized wheelchair she had been prescribed.
Mary went to the university management for ramps and for equipment. They helped, but it was still difficult to find her a specialized wheelchair.
“Finding a mobility device for my friend was really difficult. So out of that, the passion grew.”
After graduation, Mary worked for the county government of Kiambu County. Through this connection, she was introduced to Partners for Care and asked if she could volunteer.
She joined as a volunteer and soon was employed as an assistant program Director. In 2018, Mary became the program Director.
The Response
We asked Mary to walk us through what happens between the moment somebody sends her a photograph of a neighbor and the moment a cart arrives at that person’s home.
Her answer began somewhere most people would not expect.
“The first and most important step is the assessment. Partners for Care follows the World Health Organization protocol for delivery of mobility devices: assessment and selection, preparation and fitting, user and caregiver training, and maintenance & repair of mobility devices.”
The second step is a group.
“We request people to join groups, because it’s really easy to follow up with a group, or with a community health volunteer. The cart is a lifetime thing. There are the repairs; there is the maintenance. And when the recipient is in a group, they’re able to benefit from other things.”
Only then does the cart arrive. It is fitted properly. The person is trained to use it.
They are told how to reach us when it needs repair.
How Does it Work?
Mary has said before that a mobility cart restores more than mobility. We asked her what she actually sees change in a person in the first week.
“First they can socialize. If somebody was not going out to visit friends, they’re able to visit friends. If somebody was not going to church, they’re able to go to church. I remember one lady who had never gone to church. We delivered the cart on Thursday. The following Sunday, for the first time, she was able to go to church.”
For mothers,
“It’s a relief to the mothers. It is difficult carrying children to school. It’s very tiresome, because with time the children gain weight. Now the children ride themselves to school, and the mother can do other things.”
And sometimes the change is simply that a boy arrives at school in something nobody else has.
“He becomes the hero of the school, because he has a new cart.”
“It is one of the instant life-changing programs. When you give somebody a cart, they can ride home instantly without being carried, without crawling.”
A Story of Transformation
Mary tells us the story of Stephen Kitsao:
Stephen received his first mobility cart in high school, delivered to him by Peter Chea Gunga, PFC, Kilifi Program Director. When he graduated from high school, he was called to join Kenyatta University in Nairobi to pursue a degree in communication and journalism. Peter ensured he would receive a cart and coolbox from Mary as he was not able to bring his cart from Kilifi.
“He would sell some donuts in school and make money for his pocket money. He’d buy food, clothing, and settle some of his bills in school, like printing services.”
Four years later, he invited her to his graduation. He graduated with a degree in communication and journalism, performing very well.
“At that moment I felt very proud, because we walked the journey of four years with him. The repairing of his cart, the maintenance of his cart, how he’s faring, how his business is doing in school.”
Mary's Legacy
I am excited to announce to you an important recognition, received by only a few Kenyans, It honors Kenyans honoring Kenya.
The President of the Republic of Kenya has recognized Mary for her philanthropy in helping thousands of people find the device they need.
This is what her citation says:
"Mary Wang’ang’a is being recognized for her contribution to inclusive community development through her leadership at Partners for Care.
She has facilitated the provision of over 15,000 mobility carts and more than 85,000 adaptive devices to persons with disabilities across Kenya and the region, promoting mobility and independence.
Through collaboration with government institutions, disability organizations, religious groups, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and service clubs like Rotary and Lions International.
She has strengthened support systems for persons with disabilities and advanced their dignity, inclusion, and participation in the community."
Thank you Mary for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
The volunteers and donors of Make the World Mobile in Phenix City, AL are honored that you are our partner in our shared mission. Mary, you make the world mobile!
Read the complete and unedited story by Connie Cheren on her Substack: https://partnersforcare.substack.com/p/our-mary-is-a-heroine-of-kenya
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