Accomplish has been working with the Rwenzori Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities (RAPCD) since our inception in 2008. It has been thrilling to watch RAPCD expand, and to play a role in their journey. Today, RAPCD runs a primary and a secondary school, as well as a thriving programme of community outreach.
This June, a team from Accomplish paid a visit to RAPCD’s schools, where we were greeted in style with singing, dancing and a demonstration of blind-accessible sports.
Whereas all the students at RAPCD's primary school are blind, deaf or disabled, the secondary school hosts 42 disabled students in a mixed ability setting. It was uplifting to see so many students supporting each other, including signing for their peers during class to create an inclusive learning environment. It is encouraging to think that when these students graduate and go into the workforce, they will have an in-depth understanding of their disabled peers.
The secondary school needs funding to complete its newest building, which is already being used for lessons even though its roof is only half-finished. This was made apparent by rain coming into the classroom during our visit.