There was excitement on Friday (21st April 2023) when beneficiaries from Kapujan Sub County in Katakwi district, Kateta, Kagwara, Pamba in Soroti and Atira Sub Counties in Serere district respectively having received heifers and wheelchairs from Action of Love international of with support from PBF . The targeted beneficiaries received brand new wheelchairs and heifers to support the mobility of children with disabilities and improve the nutrition at household level.
Stephen Olebe, the Soroti District Councillor representing people with disabilities who also doubles as the District Speaker while representing the District Chairperson LC5 as the Chief Guest thanked Action of Love International for such initiatives that target people with disabilities in Teso Sub region.
Hon.Olebe emphasised local leaders, District leadership, the District Technocrats and other development partners including Bethesda Hospital where children are assessed and treated from to work closely with the organisation so as to increase the resource envelope to support for the benefit of the less privileged PWDs.
He also revealed that 99% of people living with disabilities are singularly raised by their mothers as many men (fathers) tend to refuse to take their responsibilities and blame women (their wives) for giving birth to such unfortunate children.
Jefferson Kandi the Executive Director Action of Love International appreciated the Local leadership, District Leaders,the technical Team,development partners and the donor community-PBF-Switzerland for the massive support and love for the children with disabilities or PWDs. He warned the parents and guardians against misusing the items that have been given to the beneficiaries especially the animals and the wheelchairs.
He went further and pointed out that most parents, care takers and guardians have a tendency of using the animals given to the beneficiaries for settling or solve family problems like rape cases, debts, marriages and defilement cases whenever they crop up.
Jefferson also tasked the district leadership where the beneficiaries come from to always monitor the usage and sustainability of the project interventions and arrest the persons who misuse the items meant to benefit the PWDs and their families.
Message from the caretakers and the beneficiaries.
Norah Phoebe Apale a mother to one of the beneficiaries thanked the organisation for the wheelchair and a heifer that her son received and she believes the items will greatly transform her son and the whole family.
Esther Nadusia aged 17 years a beneficiary of the wheelchair and a heifer could not also hide her excited and joy to the organisation and the donors for the love and support accorded to her.
According to Esther, her life will never be the same again and wished to go back to school now that she has the wheelchair that will enable her to move easily.
The handover ceremony was held at the Action of love International offices in Soroti and was attended by local leadership, district leaders, district technical team and other development partners inclusive of Bethesda hospital among others.
