Kyaninga Child Development Centre is a registered, not-for-profit organisation in western Uganda, working to create equal opportunities for children with disabilities. This is achieved through the provision of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, in their clinic and through community based rehabilitation in individual homes, schools and local health centres.
Since opening in late 2014, KCDC has assessed and provided therapy to over 2,100 children with disabilities, many of whom have cerebral palsy, developmental delay or Down’s syndrome.
Only 9% of children with disabilities in Uganda are enrolled in school, yet many more are capable of learning, but face barriers of discrimination, poor access and facilities, and poor educational support within the schools. KCDC works with these local schools to increase access to education for children with disabilities, providing workshops and individual interventions for teachers and students. 32% of children registered with KCDC are enrolled in local nursery and primary schools
KCDC currently works with 208 children in 64 schools across 7 districts in western Uganda and are supported by 1 special needs teacher and 1 disability support worker, who work with teachers to adapt their teaching methods to be more inclusive and meet individual needs as well as working with individual students, and teach sign language to students, teachers and parents. The team also lead a weekly livelihood skills and social development programme at Kyaninga Dairy teaching animal care, gardening, independence and collaboration, inclusive sports and other local skills.
There is limited special educational needs training for teachers in Uganda and so KCDC is looking for a SEN teacher to come and join their team to develop the knowledge and skills of our existing staff, and to work alongside teachers within the local schools, helping to develop and implement Individual Education Plans, advise on adaptive and alternative teaching methods, conduct community outreach visits to children not in school to advocate for their enrolment
Other ways you can be involved:
– Participate in parent support and education groups
– Training to community leaders and health care workers
Fort Portal is a 5 hours’ drive away from Kampala and Entebbe airport. It is situated in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, near to the crater lakes and close to both Kibale Forest National Forest where you can track chimpanzees, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can find elephants, lions, hippo and many more animals. Previous volunteers have particularly enjoyed gaining insights into different cultures, lifestyles, people and nature.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Steven Williams or Fiona Beckerlegge at: info@kyaningacdc.org