Ugandan siblings share their stories of hope through SAID programs
The Salvation Army International Development (SAID), Australia, is working in Uganda to empower children, families and individuals to change their lives and build a future where hope and purpose prevail. Global Focus editor SIMONE WORTHING compiled this report.
A young teenage boy with disabilities, who now believes in himself, feels valued and loved and plans to be a doctor. A 10-year-old girl, who knows she has a right to education and healthy relationships, is focused on helping her brother and learning maths so she can be a nurse.
Meet Ugandan siblings Akiki and Miremba*, who share their amazing stories for Salvos Online.
Akiki is a young boy living with disabilities. His mother, Grace,* is a member of the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) in their local community.
“The SAID team spoke to Grace, and Akiki became a part of the CORC (Comprehensive Response for Vulnerable Children) project,” said Therese Osland, Child Rights Program Coordinator, SAID. “Grace learned about and attended the information sessions on child rights and disability inclusiveness.”
Akiki and Miremba go to a primary school where the CORC project trained two teachers on the rights of children and the formation of community Child Rights Clubs.
“Social workers and community facilitators work with local corps officers, teachers, parents and children to raise awareness of child rights and promote the rights of children living with disabilities,” Therese explained.
AKIKI'S STORY
My name is Akiki. I am 13 years old and in primary five ...
I stay with my parents. I was born with a physical disability – both of my legs are disabled. According to my parents, when I was born, my grandparents told my mother: “You have brought trouble in our family because none has ever given birth to such.” She (my mother) lived a very stressed life, but inside her, she knew I am like any other child, and she loved me so much.
I am at school studying. I just crawl because my parents can’t afford a wheelchair for me, but I am in school like any other child, and my brains are functioning well. I am always leading in class, and I want to become a doctor.
Before my parents joined VSLA group, I couldn’t get scholastic material on time, and this made me think my father doesn’t value me since I am disabled. I used to be sad, but when my mother joined the group and started saving, she borrowed money from the group and buy for me books, pens and a uniform, and I report to school on time.
I have joined the Child Rights Club and am the chairperson of the group. When I was elected, at first, I turned it down because I was reflecting, “How am I going to work with the normal children with no disability?” but the social worker had a counselling session with me and spoke positive things about me, which my mother had never told me. I was so much encouraged and loved; I accepted the role.
“I am an empowered person; my disability is not inability.”
To my surprise, the club members showed me love and kindness, which made me feel valued, and I am proud of this club because there is no discrimination, we interact freely with fellow peers, and I have made new friends because we come from different villages.
In our club, we have a lot of fun – we sing, play, and do short skits. We receive training and this has made us aware of our rights and told us places we can report when one violates our rights or abuses any child in the community. I am an empowered person; my disability is not inability. I will make it in life. I am indeed grateful to The Salvation Army, CORC project, for the opportunity of including me in the Child Rights Club as a member.
MIREMBA'S STORY
My name is Miremba. I am 10 years old, female, and I am in primary four ...
My favourite subject is mathematics. I love it because I would like to be a nurse, whereby mathematics will help me to know of patients that I am to take care of.
When I am at school, during my free time, I always play sports and games with my best friend – her name is Hannah. We play netball and games like hide and seek. We find it so interesting!
Another interesting thing I would like to share is about my brother. His name is Akiki. I am happy because I love him, and I love to help him because of his condition of disability.
I always push him in the wheelchair very early in the morning from home to school and return home late in the evening.
I decided to help my brother because he is unable to walk on his legs and on some days, he would miss school since our parents are always busy digging gardens for us to have food.
“It is my right to play, have healthy relationships and I have a right to study.”
However, whenever I push the wheelchair with my bother on, we face a lot of challenges. The roads are rough, hilly and sloppy – especially currently. It is rainy season, and the roads become muddy and very slippery. Sometimes he falls off the wheelchair. The wheelchair is old, and some parts are spoilt, but still we remain patient and hoping for the best because both of us have a right to be in school and study.
Lastly, I am a member in the Child Rights Club. I have friends in the club, and whenever I am invited for training, I attend with my brother, where we learn more about our rights and roles as children. It is my right to play, have healthy relationships, and I have a right to study.
I am grateful for this chance to share with you my short story of life experience.
*Names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.
