Jeffrey is 13 years old. Locked in a world of silence, he's a stigmatised outcast like many other children who cannot speak or hear in Africa. His disability is rarely understood and for years, his needs were ignored. Going to school was a distant dream, let alone looking forward to a career in the future. However when HOPEHIV built the Masaka school, Jeffrey, and the many other orphans with hearing and speech impairments in his community, were given a chance for a safe education, tailored towards their needs. One year later, Jeffrey has learnt sign language and wants to be a carpenter when he grows up. Masaka school has developed links with a vocational college in the area meaning that his dream can become a reality.
Masaka residential special needs school opened in February 2005. It has seven primary classrooms and facilitites for over 100 children. It's one of only three such schools in the whole country and adds to the original Good Samaritan campus which was founded by parents of a local deaf child. The young people that emerge from its doors will be at the forefront of challenging stigma. Government now funds its teaching staff while HOPEHIV has committed to the first three years of other running costs. School pupils benefit from sign language, finger spelling, speech and lip-reading tuition with an accreditated curriculum, sports facilities, drama and music, spacious dormitory accommodation and nutritious food. Carers and the wider public are also educated about their needs, reducing stigma.
Long term support from Swedish company, JLT Risk Solutions AB and its
employees has been critical to this project as well as funding Christmas parties for the children. This year their funds will complete the kitchen and dining room facilities at this school, enabling nutritious meals to be provided on a daily basis to over 100 children.
HOPEHIV are committed to enabling orphans with special needs to attend this school for free. But we need your help. Just £15 a month will give an orphan a place at this school. DONATE NOW.