Kyaninga Inclusive Model School

As a Model School for Inclusion, KIMs is at the forefront of best practices in Uganda regarding supporting the learning of children with disability. We were therefore delighted when Tr. Promise was selected to train as a certified Qigong Massage Therapist for Children with Autism, under the tutelage of visiting master trainers from Belgium and Holland. Since receiving her initial training, Promise has started providing daily massage therapy to some of our KIMS children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders, including Adriel. Adriel’s mother Christine is also been trained in the technique by Promise and she feels that the effect upon Adriel’s behavior and ability to focus has been significant.  Adriel absolutely loves the therapy sessions and is so relaxed, communicating his joy throughout the session.

For Christine and her family, the reality of having a child with autism in Uganda has been particularly difficult and often lonely and joyless. Children with less ‘visible’ and often misunderstood disabilities such as autism are often ostracised, and even demonized, within their local communities. Without an understanding of this type of disability, parents are blamed for their child’s ‘bad’ behavior and parents are left wondering what they have done so wrong. Family members and neighbours may believe that a child, who was seemingly born ‘normal’ must have been cursed or bewitched to now be behaving so strangely. Therefore, Kyaninga Education Hub and KIMS are spearheading awareness raising and educational campaigns that support parents and teachers to understand and support children on the autistic spectrum. Massage therapy for autistic children is yet another way we can do this.

."