A program funded by Education Cannot Wait, helps refugee children with disabilities access quality inclusive education in Uganda.
/PRNewswire/ — Like many children in Uganda’s Rhino refugee camp, Santina’s life is a story of survival; a story of overcoming obstacles, behavioral, environmental and institutional obstacles, and of finding hope in the midst of difficulties.
Santina, 13, draws a picture in the Rhino Refugee Settlement in Uganda. © HI
Santina, 13, fled the violence of South Sudan with her mother, five sisters and two brothers to take refuge in Uganda. Life in the camp is far from easy, but for Santina, the real battle began at the age of 6, due to a serious health problem that affected her physical and cognitive development. This condition has thrown countless obstacles in Santina’s path of learning, not the least of which being the lack of accessibility of the physical environment of the camp for people like her.
Santina’s mother remembers the moment that changed her daughter’s life. It started with a high fever and paralysis on the left side of his body, affecting his ability to move. “My daughter couldn’t leave the yard alone. She couldn’t even participate in daily tasks, like cooking or sweeping the floor,” her mother explains.
Despite these difficulties, Santina’s determination never wavered. She started her schooling four years ago in a primary school two kilometers from her home. Today, she continues her education thanks to the support of an innovative program implemented by the Humanity & Inclusion network (HI)with funding fromEducation Cannot Wait (ECW)the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations.
Through Education Cannot Wait’s First Emergency Response grant, HI provided essential support including learning materials (books, pens, pencils, puzzles and games), all designed to enhance her learning experience and increase her confidence.
“Above all, I like reading and writing. I also like playing football with my friends, and my friends at school are all girls,” Santina explains. “I’m happy because my left hand was weak, but now I can use it.
HI’s occupational therapist and physiotherapist worked closely with Santina, providing tailored support to improve her daily living skills. She learned to dress herself and go to the toilet independently. She improved her fine motor skills by filling bottles with both hands. Santina also participated in activities like doodling with pencils in a sketchbook, which helped her strengthen her upper limbs and hand-eye coordination.
“I can go anywhere in the school without any problem,” says Santina.
The teachers at Santina’s school support her development and are attentive to her needs. They make sure she sits in the front row, where she can easily see the blackboard, and they provide her with workbooks, and learning materials, such as pencil holders and a slanted board.
Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in sub-Saharan Africa. This situation has put pressure on the provision of basic services. Uganda is also hit by climate-related disasters such as floods and landslides.
Despite the obstacles she faces, Santina has big dreams. “I want to continue my education to university if I can. I want to be a pastor in my community,” says the thirteen-year-old girl.
Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love and the strength of spirit that every child deserves to have in order to thrive, regardless of obstacles.
Since 2017, Education Cannot Wait has worked with partners to improve access to quality, inclusive education for vulnerable children and adolescents from refugees and host communities. Holistic interventions include mental health and psychosocial support, ensuring inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities, promoting gender equality and supporting students, teachers and caregivers.
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