Hannah Forbes

Supporting children with disabilities in Uganda

Children with disabilities and their families often face stigma and isolation from their communities in Uganda, and many cannot access the support and resources they need to thrive.

Ekisa is a ministry in Jinja, Uganda, that believes every child deserves to be included in a community that sees their value and unique contribution to society.

They have a transitional home, housing children who have been separated from their families due to abandonment, death or neglect. They have a school, Ekisa Academy, which provides children with a specialised school programme. They also have a community care programme which supports children within the community and their families by providing them with training and resources.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Ps 139:14)

Every child bears the image of our creator God. I am so excited to use the knowledge and training I have received over the years to support children and their families in Jinja, and enable them to thrive within their communities. I hope that my work and attitude will demonstrate just how much these children are loved and valued by their Heavenly Father.

My heart longs for every child to be seen as God sees them, as made in his image. Communication and relationship is such an important part of being made in God’s image. My hope is that in a small way, God’s image is restored in these children’s lives as they make progress towards communicating and building relationships.

I am from Scotland, but have spent six years in Bromley, working as a speech and language therapist, most recently in a school for children with complex needs and autism.

Next year, I will be working with a team of teachers, social workers and therapists to support children at school and within the community in Jinja. All of the students have disabilities, and many have been abandoned due to the stigma associated with having a child with disabilities. I will be working as a speech and language therapist, assessing and supporting the children’s communication skills, as well as supporting families and teachers to understand their child’s needs and how to best support them.