Our day at Sure Prospects Institute was eye-opening for me. Sure Prospects is a school for students with disabilities and those without disabilities. We met with Francis, the principal, and he was able to give is an overview of how his school works and how he's changing these children's lives for the better.
Under Francis, the school has expanded to almost 500 students, 173 of which have some type of disability, whether it be physical, mental or learning. Sure Prospects is unique because of their approach to helping those with disabilities by assigning 3 students without disabilities to assist one with a disability. There is no separation of disabled and not disabled in this school, unlike most schools in the United States. I think that this is an amazing way to help disabled children learn, overcome their disabilities, and help them to feel like their disability doesn't define who they are as a person. I was amazed and inspired by Francis and the work he is doing to help these children.
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I agree with how much of an eye-opening experience it was. Taking a step back, looking at how much the nondisabled children were willing to help and stay with those that were disable was truly inspirational. It's great to see that they've moved from allowing one disabled child for every ten nondisabled to a one-to-three ratio.
ReplyDeleteHannah, you hit the nail on the head when you said "eye-opening". I guess I never fully realized how radically different some ways of thinking can be in other nations when it comes to the care of children with special needs and physical disabilities. It is impossible for a nation to progress and become developed sustainably when you are ignoring a significant percentage of your population. The services that Francis provides is very sustainable, and the more help that he receives, the better off the country of Uganda will be.
ReplyDeletePlaying with those kids was one of the most memorable moments of this trip. So many of these kids have an awesome opportunity of growing up without the stigma of those with disabilities. Many of them also need funds to continue their schooling and asked us to sponsor them. While being a college student does not leave me with extra funds, I wish I could support them further!
ReplyDeleteHannah, I could not agree with your comment more. It was an amazing sight to see such little kids, helping other kids, their own age when they need help. I met a girl who doesn't have any arms and a girl who is blind and the teacher explained to me that they are a prefect pair because one has a perfect body and the other has perfect eyes, so together they can get a lot accomplished. Sure Prospects is doing great things, and I hope that one day the government will realize what good the school is doing. Uganda has many underlying issues about people with disabilities, and I think it will take a long time for the population to realize that everyone is human, no matter what ability or disability they possess.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hannah as well, it was so great to see these kids making the relationships with the disabled children out of friendship and not pity. I think that I took my upbringing at my school for granted because I had disabled kids in my classes throughout my entire education but many schools here do not allow disabled kids in. I think that it was truly remarkable that Francis was able to do so much good.
ReplyDeleteI had so much fun at Sure Prospects. The culture in Uganda tries to "dispose" children at such programs as disabilities are viewed as a misfortune and unfortunate. Sure Prospects approaches the problem with care and comfort, which separates them from others in the community. After playing soccer with the students I realized how gifted they were as they were very close to winning the game. The ratio of 3:1 students provides them to be aquatinted and prepared for the real world.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe how loving and welcoming the children were at Sure Prospects! The culture of this institute is phenomenal, and it is difficult to even imagine the sacrifice and dedication it took someone like Francis to be able to construct such an institution, especially in the face of so much adversity. Many countries across the globe are starting to finally push toward respect toward adults and children with disabilities, for example I know in Turkey there are now raised sidewalks for the blind to follow along.
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing what Francis is doing and I hope and pray that more catch wind of the global movement to recognize and love those who happen to have a disability, and a school with such an open program is such a big step toward that acceptance and respect!