Together we can make a difference
Thank you so much for your continuing support.
Great News:
One new activity has been training community
leaders and key members of the community.
We still see negative views towards those with a disability. Often doors
are shut in Ugandan society for people with disabilities. Our heart is to see
children and people with disabilities have access to all areas of community
life. So in January we hosted sensitisation meetings for Kangulumira local
leaders. We have felt a burden to train
the church leaders on how to reach out and support people with disabilities. So
far we have hosted three seminars for pastors to teach them what disability is,
the truth of what causes a disability, what role the church has in reaching out
to people with disabilities, and ways the church can reach out to include
people with disabilities in the church. We also shared that God made people
with disabilities in his image and that people with disabilities are people
first.
Over the last few years
we have been receiving occupational
therapy students from across the globe. Here in Uganda we have the privilege of receiving 2nd and
3rd year occupational therapy students from Mulago School of Occupational
Therapy. Prosy and Cathy are two of our most recent students, with us in April
and May. Prosy said, “ I am currently on field placement for 2 months. As an
occupational therapy student I’ve been carrying out different activities which
have assisted me in completing my studies. I am a 3rd year student and working in SOHUG has been my
last placement. I enjoyed my time with SOHUG immensly.”
One of our Children
Nayiima. We met her and her mom at a
Parish Clinics. They had never received help before. Nayiima has a lot of
potential, but hasn’t had the opportunities. They’ve started coming to drop-in
clinics. Her mother was so encouraged she’s decided to enrol Nayiima in
school. Mama Nayiima lives alone with
very little money to supports herself and her children but the school’s
assisted with a reduced rate but Nayiima is still in need of a sponsor.
Please contact us if you would like to support Nayiima or one of our
other children.
Our new Occupational Therapist!
Barbara Nattabi has started and is using her
great skills. We are
truly excited to see the talents and enthusiasm that Barbara brings to the
team. A word from Barbara- I am a qualified occupational therapist. I am Muganda (tribe) from Luweero district. I
enjoy listening to gospel music and cooking. I have been working with SOHUG for
the last two months and it is a great place to work! I very much enjoy working in the community,
as each day is different. I carry out
assessments in the community, make home visits and follow up programs for clients
who need therapy, teach activities of daily living (especially work and self-care),
prescribe special equipment, teach vocational skills, supervise OT students and interns and counsel clients
and their families.
Drop-in Clinics
run on Thursdays, starting at 10am often
going on until 4pm depending on numbers generally over 20 children each week.
Parents bring their children for treatment from the physiotherapist or
occupational therapist. The children’s ages range from babies to school-age
children. The disability type varies and
includes those with Hydrocephalus and Cerebral Palsy. Each child receives an
individualized therapy program and progresses at their own rate. Some children
cry and scream the whole time even though they are not in any pain, while
others laugh and giggle when bounced on the balls. Therapy is given in a fun
way; toys are used to distract and motivate children as therapists manipulate
and stretch joints in the position that is most beneficial for the child. It is
also a time for parents to learn and develop their skills as they watch
attentively and therapists provide suggestions for exercises to work on at
home. We’ve seen huge improvements in condition, mobility and overall attitude.
Expected Soon
We are excitedly awaiting the newest member of
our SOHUG family: Baby “Wise” Karahukayo is due to be born later this month
will be the first child born to Israel and Teresha Karahukayo (Directors).
Every Little Helps
We just want to say thank you to all of you who kindly give to SoH. We
really appreciate every sacrifice you make for the children with disabilities
here in Uganda. The projects and initiatives run on donations from people like
you. For anyone interested in giving,
please contact us directly or go to our website to give (see more details in
the right column)
Thank you again for all your support
from everyone at Spring of Hope.
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