Build a Disability Centre in Uganda Refugee Camp

While we continue to gather funds for this project, we wanted to share an extract from a recent blog by our CEO, Carwyn Hill, who was in the Ugandan refugee settlements in December.

‘I was humbled at the end of last year meeting a handful of refugees with disabilities who'd fled outbreaks of violence in South Sudan. One had previously described 'bullets passing over head', as he shared the harrowing accounts of the civil war in South Sudan. It was striking that at least 3 of these individuals said they were saved thanks to a 'Good Samaritan.'  

Regardless of our faith, most people would be familiar with 'The Good Samaritan' story.  A parable told by Jesus about a man who was robbed, badly beaten and 'left half dead'.  Two individuals you'd expect to help pass by and ignore the man.  A third less likely individual stops, risks his own safety and well-being and sacrificially assists the man. The individuals we met had been unable to flee from the fighting due to their disability.  On each occasion they commented how a 'Good Samaritan' had stopped and helped save them. In a country with in-discriminate killing, this is a courageous act.  To stop and delay your own efforts to flee takes real sacrificial compassion...especially when not related to the person you're helping. 

Of all the projects we're currently involved in, assisting many of these refugees with disabilities is now amongst our greatest privileges as a charity’

Many of the people with disabilities we are working with in the settlements have experienced unbelievable suffering and still face a huge challenge ahead. But these stories of Good Samaritans inspire us to continue and grow our work to help them as much as we can.

When the disability centre can be built, it will have a big impact on our ability to deliver community disability care for these refugees in the greatest of need. 

Thank you for your support.

Links:

• Carwyn Hill's full blog