How We Work

Ability Forward is a Norwegian non-profit humanitarian organization aiming to empower children with disabilities through equipping our local partners with skills and resources to implement great programs within their local communities. Our current partner is Adina Foundation Uganda, a local non-government / non-profit organization working for children with disabilities in Lira, northern Uganda.

Our Approach

Adina Foundation Uganda (AFU) has been working with Children with Disabilities since 2010. From its meager beginning, the focus was on children in need of rehabilitation, physiotherapy and psycho-social support in the aftermath of the civil war in the region. Now, AFU is not working with victims of war, but with children with either born or acquired physical disabilities. Annually, approximately 200 children are treated at the rehabilitation center in Lira, Uganda.

Our Team

Our team at Ability Forward is made up of highly experienced professionals who bring a wide range of expertise to the field of humanitarian development. With a shared passion for making a positive impact, our seasoned professionals are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that address the complex challenges faced by communities worldwide. We believe in the power of collaboration and leverage our diverse backgrounds to develop innovative strategies that drive meaningful change. At Ability Forward, we are committed to making a difference and shaping a better future for all.
Hilde Sandnes

Hilde Sandnes

Chairperson

15 years experience working with program development with small and local humanitarian organizations.

Astrid Tomassen

Astrid Tomassen

Board Member

Communication Director. Specialties: Strategic Communications. Public Relations and Crisis Communications.

Antonia Kvalsvik

Antonia Kvalsvik

Board Member

Former elected official in the city-parliament of Stavanger. Expert in Safety, Protocol & System Management.

Geir O. Holme

Geir O. Holme

Board Member

Historian and political activist with expertise in Social Policy Analysis and Welfare State Development.

Elias Sandnes

Elias Sandnes

Board Member

Vast experience in impact and sustainability evaluation of NORAD-funded projects in South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Ole G. Michelsen

Ole G. Michelsen

Executive Director

10 years experience with fundraising, program design and implementation in Humanitarian Development.

Bonner Rinn

Bonner Rinn

Resource Group

Founder and Director of Project Possible.

Martine Fornes

Martine Fornes

Resource Group

Web design, Communication and Strategy expert

Espen Johannesen

Espen Johannesen

Resource Group

Chief Operational Officer in TF Bank. Vast network in the corporate sector and expert in fundraising and strategy.

Where We Work

We are located in Lira, in the northern region of Uganda. The northern region, is significantly poorer and less developed than the more central or southern parts of the country. Thus the health system in this region is also underdeveloped, and children with disabilities have less opportunities to rehabilitation.  By working with the outmost marginalized population group in an already marginalized region of the country, we are reaching out to the most vulnerable.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation

We at Ability Forward go beyond corrective surgeries and rehabilitation. Our philosophy is focused on challenging stereotypes about disabilities and breaking down the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities on a regular basis. Through parental and community involvement, we prioritize educational opportunities and ensure universal access to both educational and sanitary facilities. Our mission is to foster inclusivity and empower individuals with disabilities to thrive.

CoRSU Hospital

Long-term partner of AFU. Specializes on orthopedic and reconstructive surgeries.

Surgeries at CoRSU in 2023

Emergency Children`s Hospital

We have been working together with Emergency since 2023. The hospital specializes on orthopedic surgeries.

Surgeries at Emergency in 2023

CURE Hospital

Long-term partner of AFU. Specializes on orthopedic and reconstructive surgeries. 

Surgeries at CURE in 2023

Kumi Hospital

Long-term partner of AFU. Specializes on orthopedic and reconstructive surgeries. 

Surgeries at Kumi in 2023

No Poverty

There is a strong link between poverty and disability. Individuals with disabilities often face marginalization and discrimination in education and the job market. Ability Forward’s mission is to educate and empower children with disabilities, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.

Good Health and Well-being

Through transformative surgical procedures, ongoing physiotherapy sessions, and comprehensive psychosocial support services,we are dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for children with disabilities in the northern region of Uganda. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, deserves equal opportunities to thrive.

Quality Education

Ability Forward provides primary and secondary education sponsorship, as well as vocational studies, to our patients after their discharge. In Uganda, only 1 out of 10 children with disabilities are enrolled in the education system, which highlights the pressing need to eliminate the educational barriers faced by children with disabilities. Together, we aim to overcome these challenges and ensure quality education for all.

Gender Equality

Girls with disabilities are especially vulnerable, and Ability Forward is committed to addressing the unique challenges they face. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and violence based on gender, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for empowerment for both boys and girls with disabilities.

Reduced Inequalities

By empowering the most marginalized children and their families with hope, health, and opportunities, Ability Forward is dedicated to actively working towards reducing inequalities. By providing support, we create a more inclusive society where every child has the chance to thrive. Together, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of these vulnerable individuals, ensuring they have access to the opportunities they deserve.

Climate Action

By collaborating closely with local communities and parents of children with disabilities, we train them in rotation farming, horticulture, and cultivating drought-resistant crops. Our goal is to ensure food security and foster climate change resilience within these communities. Ability Forward works hand in hand with community and community leaders overcome climate-related challenges and create a sustainable future.

Partnership for the Goals

We can only achieve meaningful change through partnership and collaboration. At Ability Forward, we work closely with national and regional governments, foundations, organizations, and individuals who share our vision of providing equal opportunities for all children. Together, we strive to make a positive impact and create a better future.

Our Values

At Ability Forward, we are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and diversity. Our evidence-based approach prioritizes community involvement and local ownership, ensuring an inclusive and collaborative environment for all.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower children with disabilities by providing tailored rehabilitation, fostering inclusive education, and promoting equal opportunities through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships to break down barriers.

Our Vision

We envission a world where every child with a disability thrives through inclusive opportunities and comprehensive rehabilitation. Our vision is to empower individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances to build an inclusive future  with opportunities for all.