These difficulties are regarded with superstition and fear in many parts of Africa and Uganda is no exception.  Common medical conditions, such as epilepsy, can cause individuals to be shunned and rejected by their community.  Consequently, many parents hide children with difficulties away and the community is ill equipped to respond to help. We are now working hard through education programmes to change this perception. 

In 2007 the new project was launched.  A team from the UK including a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, teacher of the hearing impaired and special needs teachers worked alongside local representatives to set up a range of initiatives.

The salary of our special needs coordinator, Billy, a medical officer at the local hospital,  is sponsored by GC supporters. Peter Ogaru, a teacher at a local state school, helps to mobilise families of children with special needs for Billy to meet most weeks. They travel into remote areas to monitor/ set-up programmes and provide a range of services. 

Billy encourages parental support groups which help the wider community to support each other.  They work  in liaison with special needs teachers in the UK and if outside intervention is needed, a strategy and funding can be agreed upon and provided.  A child with hydrocephalus, for example, was referred to the American ‘Cure’ Hospital in nearby Mbale.   New children are coming forward all the time. 

2007 Speech and Language Therapist, Kathryn, encouraging  Achom with speech sounds. Achom has been unable to attend school due to voice problems.  Her family are unable to afford access to appropriate medical care.

Research showed that in the more remote areas, families do not have the means to travel into the town. It is impossible for disabled children to be carried any distance. In most cases, they have never been seen by a doctor or received any medical intervention or advice. This group have no possibility of attending school. By creating an outreach service, the project will undoubtedly benefit far more children.

Rogers (aged 14).   His father walked 6 miles to bring him to see the GC team.  Rogers' cerebral palsy means that he has no speech or independent mobility and is therefore unable to access school.  He desperately needed a wheelchair, which GC later supplied

2011 Rogers has now outgrown his wheelchair and now needs a specialist wheelchair which will be supplied from Kampala.

Children who would receive therapy and education in special schools in the UK, often have no such opportunities in Africa.

In 2007, Zoe, teacher of the hearing impaired, carries out an assessment of this young girl’s needs. GC local project coordinator, Abraham (left) assists with translation as Dad is given information on deaf awareness and simple strategies to improve communication.

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In 2007, we found this young girl had been falling behind in class as she could not see her work. A simple magnifier sheet costing less than £2 will transform her situation

Lazarus in 2007 with a stick. 

 In 2011, a smiling Lazarus in blue shirt with Mum sitting behind.  He now has a trike which he uses like a motorbike!  His wheels currently have punctures.  Our coordinator, Billy encourages the parents to mend punctures with bicycle repair kits and take responsibility for equipment given to them.

In 2007, Occupational Therapist, Sue Court, assesses this little girl's mobility needs.  Her mother will need to follow a range of exercises designed specifically for her.

Wheelchairs

In 2011 our Ugandan  coordinator is now hoping to work with and take advice from a local representative of the UK based charity 'Motivation' which supplies 'quality, affordable wheelchairs in accordance with  WHO guidelines in less resourced settings'.This additional expert advice will enable us to continue to do the very best for those we serve.

Read the next pages to find out about St Francis School for the blind, and the Hostel.

Please also look in the 'News and Future Plans' section for latest developments