Building Inclusive Communities for Children with Disabilities in Uganda: The Story of 3 Stars Rehabilitation Initiatives
>>Zara-Chanel Asiedu (Project Intern)
In Uganda, children with disabilities face many challenges, from societal stigma to inadequate access to rehabilitation services. At 3Stars Rehabilitation Initiatives (3SRI), we are committed to changing this narrative. Its mission is to create an inclusive community for children with disabilities, empower their caregivers, and enhance lives through tailored rehabilitation interventions.
Addressing Misconceptions Around Disability
They operate predominantly in refugee settlements, and have encountered a range of misconceptions about disabilities. For instance, epilepsy is often misrepresented to witchcraft. This belief has historically discouraged caregivers from seeking medical treatment, relying instead on traditional methods that rarely result in positive results.
Through ongoing awareness campaigns, training sessions, and advocacy, they’ve worked to change these perceptions. Receiving remarkable results: children previously struggling with frequent seizures now experience significant improvements after receiving proper medical care. One caregiver shared how their child’s epileptic episodes reduced from multiple instances per week to just twice a month after starting anti-epileptic medication. These stories inspire other caregivers to seek similar support, fostering a ripple effect of change.
Transforming Lives: Simon’s Journey
One particularly inspiring story is that of Simon, an 11-year-old boy with cerebral palsy from the Rwamwanja refugee settlement. When they first met Simon, he couldn’t walk, stand, or perform basic tasks with his hands. They trained his caregiver in performing massage, extension, flexion exercises and how to bear weight, Simon was supported by constructing
low-cost parallel bars from local materials so that he exercised standing, walking and picking objects using the hands training daily at home. Over ten months, Simon made significant progress, eventually standing. His mother Harriet was surprised to see this change. They later provided a walker with wheels to practice walking. Today, Simon walks independently, attends school, and actively participates in community activities alongside other children.
Empowering Caregivers and Building Capacity
Their approach to rehabilitation goes beyond the individual child. They focus on equipping caregivers with the skills and confidence needed to support their children effectively. Harriet, for example, received extensive training in body positioning, assistive device usage, and positive reinforcement. They also connected her with other model parents to provide mentorship and encouragement.
Creating Lasting Change Through Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. By working with refugee-led organisations and other stakeholders, they are able to address the diverse needs of children with disabilities. Together, they are breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and creating opportunities for these children to thrive.
Looking Ahead
As they continue to work in Uganda, their vision remains clear: a world where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. At 3Stars Rehabilitation Initiatives, they play a part in making this vision a reality, one child and one caregiver at a time.
Find more information about them and their work here: https://3starsrehabilitation.org/