Restore Lives of 100 Children with Disabilities.

At Joy for Children Uganda, one of our mandates is to ensure that all children, regardless of their circumstances, are able to realize their full potential and are protected and cared for at school, at home, and in the communities where they live.

During the second term school holiday, we took the initiative to raise awareness about disability rights, the challenges faced by children living with disabilities, stigma and discrimination, and the importance of creating supportive and inclusive communities. Our main aim was to help children, parents, and community members understand that children living with disabilities should not be defined by their limitations. They should be loved, supported, protected, and educated just like other children. We also encouraged parents to recognize the abilities and potential of their children and to provide the emotional and social support they need to grow, develop, and become more independent.

As part of the activity, we met with children in three communities Mulimila Zone, Bwaise and kivulu (slum areas in kampala) and held different sessions with them. We encouraged children to love and support their peers living with disabilities because we are all God’s creation and we are all beautiful. We encouraged them to develop a positive attitude towards children living with disabilities by showing them respect, playing with them, and sharing with them. Most importantly, we encouraged them not to bully, tease, or laugh at their peers when they fail to do something or face challenges.

We also emphasized the importance of child protection and inclusion. Community members were encouraged to ensure that children living with disabilities are not excluded from family, educational, play, or community activities.

Through these engagements, we were able to reach;

• 105 children 
• 175 adults across the three communities.

What We Achieved

• Our participants gained a greater understanding of disability and the importance of supporting and treating children with dignity.
• Parents also gained practical guidance, support networks, and linkages to relevant services that can support their children.
• We also witnessed a positive shift in community understanding. Through question-and-answer sessions, people were able to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how they can support and take responsibility for protecting children living with disabilities.

For us, this was important because inclusion begins with understanding, acceptance, and the willingness of families and communities to support every child.

What Next?

• We shall continue conducting awareness sessions to reach more communities and people with disability awareness.
• We shall continue fundraising so that we are able to provide assistive devices to children living with disabilities.
• We also hope to establish partnerships with government hospitals to provide free services to children who require different therapy sessions.
• For children who are unable to join public schools, we hope to support them through home schooling.
• We shall also carry out household visits with children living with disabilities so that we can monitor their progress and walk the journey with them.

We thank you for the support you have given us, which has enabled us to reach these children, parents, and community members.

• Activity photos (PDF)