There are currently 130 students at KSPH, one of two schools in Uganda for children with disabilities. The classes range from P1A to P7. Students are grouped according to ability, not age. The P1A class is comprised of first time students. Prior to attending this class, most of them have never been in a social setting other than with their family. The teachers are patient and creative, using song to draw the students out and instruct them in English. Activities are modified in each classroom so all students can participate. The children work diligently within their abilities, and success is celebrated with encouragement from teachers and classmates alike. Kelly and Rachael spent their time working with the teachers and exchanging ideas. They shared lots of hands-on strategies to implement all the senses into each child's educational plan, and brought enough supplies to start a resource center.
The children's rehabilitation needs are met primarily by Amon, a young Occupational Therapist with a broad smile and gentle spirit. It was my privilege to partner with him throughout our two week stay. One of the highlights of my experience was our prayer time together each morning, especially the morning Amon took the lead and prayed! He was overwhelmed with the generous donations we brought, and eagerly implemented any suggestions offered.
One afternoon, we practiced splint fabrication. In the US, Therapists often use a material called orthoplast that can be softened in hot water, easily molded, and then cooled to form a rigid splint. The splints can assist in holding the hand in a functional position for writing, eating, and other daily skills. Amon was eager to use the donated splint patterns and orthoplast, as he had heard of such material in school but had never seen it. He prepared a fire in a charcoal grill to heat the water, and we had fun practicing hand splint fabrication, Ugandan-style!
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