By Fiona Beckerlegge | Executive Director
Introduction
In the heart of rural western Uganda, a beacon of hope shines for children with disabilities. Our Community-Based Rehabilitation project aims to provide accessible and affordable multidisciplinary therapy sessions, offering vital support to those who need it most. This initiative is not just about numbers; it's about changing lives, one child at a time.
Over the past ten years, we've made significant strides in our mission to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities. This year alone, we've already successfully conducted more than 10,450 therapy sessions, addressing a wide range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and autism. Our dedicated team has touched the lives of 1178 children this year, each with unique stories and challenges.
Sarah's Story: A Journey of Transformation
Among the many children we've had the privilege to help, Sarah's story stands out as a testament to the power of targeted therapy and unwavering support. Sarah, a bright-eyed 8-year-old from Kinyamaseke, was born with cerebral palsy.
Before our intervention, Sarah struggled with basic movements and speech, struggling with uncontrolled arm movements and spasticity, particularly in her right hand. She couldn't feed herself easily or dress herself and often felt isolated from her peers. Her parents, though loving, felt helpless in the face of her challenges.
When Sarah joined our programme in 2020, we saw a child eager to connect but trapped by her physical limitations. We've witnessed a remarkable transformation through tailored therapy sessions focusing on physical, occupational and speech therapy. Today, Sarah's progress is nothing short of inspiring. She can now stand independently and walk short distances with assistance. She can also feed and dress herself without help. She is now in school and loves learning and playing alongside her classmates. The community inclusive education team supports her teacher, Miss Kirundi, in meeting her individual learning needs.
Her mother, Esther, shares, "I never had hope that Sarah would walk……I now feel confident in encouraging other parents to continue bringing their children for therapy and stop locking them in the house."
The joy in Sarah's eyes as she achieves each new milestone is a powerful reminder of why this project is so crucial.
Impact on the Community
Sarah's story is just one example of how our project reshapes perceptions of disability in rural western Uganda. We're witnessing a gradual but significant shift in community attitudes. Families who once kept their children with disabilities hidden at home are now seeking help and support. Local leaders have taken notice, too.
Okello, a community elder, remarks, "This clinic by KCDC has been a hope for many families. It has brought care and education to a community where such services are needed. The treatment, education, and community support have made a big difference in our lives. I am grateful for the KCDC staff who work to improve the lives of children with disabilities. My child has a brighter future, and we have gained hope."
Moreover, our project has sparked a ripple effect of positivity. Families and caregivers report feeling more hopeful and better equipped to support their children's needs. Conclusion Every therapy session we provide is a step towards a more inclusive, supportive community for children with disabilities in rural Uganda.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, children like Sarah are gaining the tools they need to thrive. Your continued support can help us reach more children, transform more lives, and build a future where every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to reach their full potential. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser