On May 21st, the inauguration of the Daystar Institute of Disability Studies marked a significant milestone.  On the same day following the launch, IDS commenced Entrepreneurship training program modeled alongside the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).  Participants trainees were sourced from community leaders representing PWDs across Kenya.

During the learning period spanning from May 21st to August, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, PWD learners adeptly utilized smartphones to pursue their studies online, many of which were borrowed. This demonstrated unequivocally that Disability does not equate to Inability.

Over the course of nearly four months, students engaged in collaborative learning and problem solving which concluded in the learners drafting comprehensive business plans. This training initiative was made possible through a partnership between Daystar University and the Institute of Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, funded by a grant from the US State Department.

Subsequently, the top 20 students with the most promising business plans were selected to pitch their ideas, as showcased in the accompanying flyer. The best 10 pitches received invaluable business mentorship.

This endeavor underscored a crucial lesson: when provided with an enabling environment, Persons with Disabilities exhibit remarkable capacity for learning and entrepreneurial success.