Uganda Society for Disabled Children
The Child
Like many young girls, Sarah Nakyewa enjoys singing, dancing and handicrafts. She lives in Buyoga village in Masaka District. Her father is a retired police officer and her mother a teacher.
Sarah is 12 years old. She was born with a deformity of the upper arms. Then as a baby she contracted polio, which paralysed her left leg. For many years she could not walk and was carried around by her family.
Early in 1993, Sarah started at Misanvu Special Education Unit. She was bought a wheelchair by Rotary Club of Masaka. Although this was some help, she could not wheel herself around and still had to be pushed by other people.
In July 1993, USDC arranged for an orthopaedic surgeon to visit Masaka Hospital. Children with disabilities were invited to attend for assessment. Sarah was one of many who came. USDC staff decided to make a home visit, so that her needs could be assessed in her familiar surroundings.
Special crutches were designed, but Sarah's hands were too frail to hold them. So parallel bars were constructed and, with regular exercising, her legs gained strength. Then modified elbow crutches were made. The treatment proved successful. Sarah is now mobile and independent.
Sarah's mother says, "The love, encouragement and support I received from USDC gave me hope and the drive to assist other parents. To us, USDC has been a friend in need. I can still hardly believe that Sarah can now walk."
Sarah's mother has been trained as a facilitator. She helps to educate other parents about caring for children with disabilities. Her experience also motivated her to set up Tweyambe Abalema Association School.
There are 90 pupils on roll, including ten children with disabilities. USDC's policy of working with families as well as with children is amply rewarded.
Sarah is one of the ten.