Leaners in Palorinya refugee’s settlement zone two Obongi district during the distribution of the assistive device.

By Ganiko Samson Bullen
Moyo

In an effort to improve access to education for learners with disabilities in Palorinya Refugee Settlement, Obongi District, Cheshire Services Uganda, under the TOGETHER Project and with support from the European Union Humanitarian Aid, has distributed about 200 assistive devices to support inclusive learning.

During the handover ceremony in Zone II, Morobi, the assistant commandant of the area, Atiku Ceaser, emphasized the importance of the support in addressing key challenges faced by learners with disabilities. He cautioned beneficiaries against misuse of the items.
 
“We have quite a number of learners in our schools who struggle to keep up with others due to various disabilities,” Ceaser said. “I believe this support will ensure that our children with disabilities can now learn at the same level as the rest.”
 
He added that refugee learners should benefit from the education they receive, as it will be valuable when they return to their home countries.

Dr. Tinkayimare Paddy, Director of Hybon Group Foundation, said they had come to assess the needs and distribute assistive devices, clarifying that the equipment is meant to aid learning, not to cure disabilities.
 
“These devices are not for curing. For instance, if you have a hearing problem and we give you a hearing aid, it won’t completely cure the condition. But when you wear it, you’ll be able to hear well. Once you remove it, you’ll go back to your previous state,” Dr. Tinkayimare explained.
 
Chandiga Saidi, the Education Officer in charge of Special Needs, encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by focusing on their studies.
 
“When you visit our schools, you’ll find many of these disadvantaged learners enrolled. However, many are not attending classes regularly,” he said. “I believe these devices will encourage them to return to school in the next term.”
 
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by partners, Abubakar San Longa, the District Health Inspector of Obongi, urged stakeholders not to abandon the education sector.
 

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