Where I live in the eastern, rural part of Uganda there is a pervasive myth and terrible perception of people with learning disabilities.
At best they are seen as a burden. At worst they are seen as cursed – as creatures possessed by the devil.
Either way, their treatment can be heartbreaking.
Barbara, 13, was abandoned by her parents and left to live with her grandmother. Since neither of them can work, the live in poverty and struggle to get food and water let alone the things that Barbara needs to live a more independent and dignified life – a wheelchair and specialised toilet being the priorities.
Peter with a fellow Connector.
So our mission here as Connectors is two fold.
Firstly, we want to offer direct support to people like Barbara. To help, we’ve created a crowdfunder and invite anyone who can to give. Every single penny will go directly to supporting Barbara – getting her food, water, and, when we have enough, a toilet and wheelchair. Already we have been able to raise enough to buy her a new, much comfier bed.
And secondly, we want to tell Barbara’s story – and the story of others – so that we change the culture.
The Uganda government has, thankfully, formally recognised the rights of people with disabilities but this will mean very little unless we change the way they are treated day-to-day. So by showing we care, by educating people about the lives of people like Barbara, and calling for a response grounded in our common humanity we hope to transform the way future generations treat their disabled friends and family.