Our charity partner - HopeHIV
Uganda has the highest number of children orphaned by AIDS in the world today and the rural district of Masaka has been particularly badly affected. Inevitably, increasing numbers of orphans are left vulnerable, dropping out of school at an early age and consequently losing access to basic health and nutrition. This includes a large number of children, with hearing and speech impairments, a condition often caused by inadequate medical treatment of basic childhood diseases e.g. measles. These children are frequently stigmatized, and are unable to access any educational activity in which they could meaningfully participate. It is against this background that Masaka School for Special Needs Children was founded in 2005.
The school provides high quality education for children with hearing and speech impairments to equip them with the essential skills to eventually enable them to lead a meaningful life within their community. Its 125 pupils, ranging from 6-16 years old, are mainly boarders and for some who have been abandoned the school acts as the family they no longer have. As well as academic studies in line with the Ugandan national curriculum, the children are taught small scale agriculture, farming and gardening skills which also helps to supplement the schools food budget. Masaka School is now ranked as the best school for children with hearing impairments in Uganda and helps to spread best practice to similar schools throughout the country.
In November 2006 my husband Jeremy and I had the privilege of spending some time at Masaka School and meet for ourselves the wonderful children and amazing teachers who make the school such an inspiring place. We are delighted to be associated with the school and give you, our customers, the opportunity to play a part in providing a future for children who otherwise would be without hope.
Our involvement in Masaka School is made possible by the work of HopeHIV, a UK based charity who support children throughout sub-Saharan Africa affected by HIV/AIDS. Go to www.hopehiv.org for more inspiring stories!
