Education for All
Ensuring Every Child Has Access to Learning, Skills, and Equal Opportunities
Background
In Uganda, children with disabilities (CWDs) are among the most marginalized and excluded groups when it comes to education. According to surveys, only about 9% of children with disabilities attend primary school and less than 6% progress to secondary school (UNICEF, 2016; Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2017). Poverty, stigma, inaccessible infrastructure, and lack of trained teachers all contribute to this exclusion.
But we believe these statistics do not reflect what’s possible — and we believe every child has the right to go to school.
Our Commitment
At Ability Forward, we are committed to making education accessible for all children, regardless of ability. After children are discharged from rehabilitation, we actively support their reintegration into school. We currently collaborate with four primary schools and two secondary schools in the region to make sure our patients have the best possible chance to succeed.
Educational Support
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We provide targeted educational support to the most poor and vulnerable families — including orphans, single-parent households, or families living in extreme poverty. This support can include:
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School backpacks, uniforms, and supplies
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Payment of school fees or tuition
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Assistance with transportation to and from school
We recognize that financial barriers are often the number one obstacle preventing families from sending children with disabilities to school. By removing these barriers, we’re not offering charity — we are simply helping children access the basic human right to education as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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Alternative Pathways
We also know that formal schooling may not meet the needs of every child. For older patients or those who would thrive in a more hands-on environment, we partner with vocational training centers. Here, young people can learn practical skills such as sewing, hairdressing, mechanics, carpentry, and agriculture. This equips them not just with useful knowledge, but with the ability to generate their own income in the future, making them more independent and valuable contributors within their families and communities.
Teacher Training for Inclusive Education
An important part of creating access to education is making sure schools are ready to welcome children with disabilities. That’s why we work closely with teachers, providing training on inclusive education practices. Through this training, teachers learn how to adapt their classrooms, teaching methods, and attitudes to meet the needs of all learners. It’s not just about physical accessibility — it’s about fostering an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and able to participate fully. By strengthening teachers’ capacity, we help create schools that are truly inclusive and that give every child the chance to thrive.