Rock Climbing Training for Visually Impaired Children in Kenya

Monkey Magic is a Japanese charity registered and associated with Mr. Koichiro Kobayashi. He is a renowned world champion in rock and mountain climbing will from 12^th to 16^th March 2018. He trained blind learners on rock climbing in Nairobi, Kenya. The new sport targets, 100 learners in Kenya. Most importantly, with visual impairments drawn from Thika High and Primary Schools for the Blind, Kilimani, St. Aquinas, and Muthaiga Integrated Schools in Nairobi.

Mr. Kobayashi was one of the 8 blind climbers, who successfully scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro. In addition, Kobayashi and his team will be working with KBTA, BlueSky Gym. Moreover,  the schools will introduce rock climbing as an alternative sport for learners who are blind and visually impaired. This is program is expected to provide additional leisure and recreation activities. Mainly, for blind and visually impaired persons in Africa as well as increase their self-confidence levels.

While in Nairobi, on Wednesday, 14^th March 2018 from 4:00 pm (Gate open), Mr. Kobayashi is scheduled to deliver an open public lecture. It will take place at the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, Mara Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Those within Nairobi and are interested can send an email with their name and ID number to jinfocul@nb.mofa.go.jp or call +254 20-2898515.

Mr. Kobayashi first started free climbing in 1984 when he was 16 years old. However, in 1996, the doctor informed him that he would completely lose his sight in the future from a progressive eye disease.

For years, he lived in desperation. Nonetheless, his friends inspired him. As a result, he founded the NPO Monkey Magic. His aim was to further free climbing, the sport he truly loves. Above all, introduce to others with sight disabilities just like himself.

The plan is to launch a climbing program for visually impaired children in Kenya. It aims to bring a smile to the children’s faces by challenging them through climbing.

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For more information on Mr. Kobayashi and Monkey Magic activities, please visit https://www.monkeymagic.or.jp/en‐us