Empowering Teachers

As my daughter has recently started school, more than ever I am aware of the importance of teachers in the development, confidence and growth of children. When we invest in teachers, we are investing in and empowering the next generation.

A primary school teacher from Kiyindi, Uganda (above and below)

In February this year over 200 teachers from schools in Uganda gathered to learn more about disability and how best to educate children with learning difficulties in their classrooms.

By equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills to create more inclusive learning environments, we can help ensure that all children, regardless of ability, have access to the life-changing opportunity of education.

In Uganda, disability is often regarded as a curse. Many disabled children are hidden away, lack access to education, medical care, and mobility aids.

With over 1.28 million children living with disabilities in Uganda (Uganda Census 2024) and only 9% attending primary school (Ugandan Government, 2017), change is desperately needed.

Children enjoying a sports festival in Uganda, 2025

Our Disability Inclusion Project will reach 3,152 disabled children across Kayunga, Mukono, Jinja and Buikwe districts from now until 2028.

Empowering activities include inclusive sports festivals, training for teachers and community leaders, and peer support groups. We also provide mobility aids such as wheelchairs and crutches and improve accessibility in schools and communities through ramps, pathways and toilets.

Infrastructure added to schools for better disability access

Through our four-pronged approach, we work closely with disabled children, their parents, teachers, and communities. At the heart of the programme is sport as a tool for change – helping children flourish while showing families and communities their true potential.

Sports days have been a key activity in reducing stigma and increasing inclusivity amongst young people:

“Sports has greatly made our pupils have a sense of belonging, feel loved and cared for. Through inclusive sports we managed to take the third runners’ position with 8 gold medals in goal ball competitions that were held in Masaka District.”

– Sanyu*, a visually impaired teacher from Martin Nkoyoyo Inclusive Primary School in Uganda.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” – Nelson Mandela

“Hundreds of children who could not smile now have a smile on their faces. For many of these children they had never ventured from their home area [so] attending the Sports Festival for many of them was a highlight.”

– the Project Coordinator Paul of IN Uganda.

“Disabled people are all too often misrepresented as passive and devoid of personal agency,” says Reverend Tim Goode, from the Diocese of Southwark, who is also a supporter of our DIP programme in Uganda. Revd. Tim is aware of the need for inclusion to take place not only in the UK but globally, too.

Learn more about our Disability Inclusion Project in Uganda here.

Written by Ali Mbugua, Chief Operating Officer

Amy Conroy, 4x GB Paralympian, is our very passionate ambassador for this project. 

She says:

“My faith teaches me that every child is created equal and deserves the chance to flourish. Sport gave me back my independence, and I believe God can use it to open doors for children everywhere. I’m proud to stand with IN UK to raise the funds to ensure children with disabilities in Uganda have the same opportunity to play, to belong and to dream.“

Follow us on Instagram to hear project updates and empowering stories at @ineedsuk