Friends of People with Disabilities

Creating Hope and Opportunity for Children with Disabilities in Uganda

One of the most inspiring places I have ever visited is Friends of People with Disabilities, a small yet powerful school founded and run by the compassionate and selfless Mama Geraldine. Mama Geraldine is a former occupational therapist, Nurse, Medical trainer and politician. Her whole life she has been a voice for the voiceless!

She works tirelessly to support children with disabilities using her extensive knowledge that she has gained over the years. She currently runs the school entirely out of her own pocket, taking minimal donations from the parents, and is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. I first volunteered at the school in 2017, where I was able to witness first hand just how important the work that Mama Geraldine carries out. I have since had the pleasure of returning to the school in 2018 and again in February 2025, where she continues to dedicate her life to giving children with disabilities a chance to learn, grow, and feel valued.

Her unwavering commitment has provided a safe and nurturing environment for children with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and more. However, there are still significant challenges that need urgent attention to ensure these children receive the education, care, and dignity they deserve, as well as counselling for families of people with disabilities.

The Reality of Disability in Uganda

In Uganda, disabilities are often highly stigmatised, leading to social isolation, neglect, and financial hardship for families. Tragically, over 75% of fathers abandon their families when a child is born with a disability, leaving mothers as sole caregivers, struggling to balance survival and care.

Many children with disabilities are deprived of basic education, medical care, and opportunities for a fulfilling life . This is why the work of Mama Geraldine and Friends of People with Disabilities is so vital in breaking down these barriers and ensuring these children have a chance to thrive.

The Urgent Needs of Friends of People with Disabilities

1. Outreach & Accessibility – Ensuring Every Child Receives Care

Many children live within a 10km radius of the school but are unable to attend regularly due to lack of transportation. To ensure these children continue learning and receiving care, Mama Geraldine personally conducts home outreach visits, supporting families who cannot make the journey.

Our Goal: Raise the remaining 10 million Ugandan Shillings (£2,100) to help purchase a vehicle for outreach visits, ensuring all 47 children and their families receive both in-school and at-home support. Mama Geraldine has already raised half of the required amount, and your support will help complete this essential project!

2. Education Sponsorship – Giving Every Child a Chance to Learn

The cost of education is a major barrier for many children attending Friends of People with Disabilities. Their families live in extreme poverty, making school fees, learning materials, and care services difficult to afford.

Cost to Sponsor a Child (Per Term): ✅ 250,000 UX (£55) per term covers school fees, meals, basic healthcare, and educational materials for a child with disabilities.

Our Goal: Ensure that every child at the school is fully sponsored, so they can receive the support, education, and care they need to reach their full potential.

When sponsoring a child through this platform, please submit your donation and email/message so we can ensure you stay connected with the child you support. This allows them to send you updates, letters, and share their journey with you. Sponsoring a child is a meaningful gift for a loved one or a wonderful way to build a special long-distance connection with a child whose life you’re helping to transform.

How You Can Help

Support Outreach Visits – Contribute towards the purchase of a vehicle to facilitate home outreach visits, ensuring children with disabilities and their families receive much-needed care and education support.

Sponsor a Child’s Education – Give the gift of education by sponsoring a child’s tuition, meals, and resources, providing them with a chance to learn and thrive .

Make a One-Time Donation – Any contribution, big or small, will help provide life-changing support to these children and their families.

Spread the Word – Share this campaign with your friends, family, and community to help us reach more supporters who can make a difference!