RAPCD Schools
The Rwenzori Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities (RAPCD) was founded in 2004 by Maali Wilson.
We have worked with RAPCD since it established its primary school for children with disabilities in 2009. From small beginnings, it continues to expand and now has over 140 pupils. It caters for pupils who are deaf, blind or have other disabilities such as cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome.
A Ugandan Government inspection in 2013 gave RAPCD' primary school a glowing report. Supporting teachers' salaries is one of our main contributions.
We have also enabled RAPCD to irrigate nearby farm land so the school can grow its own food. As it is usual practice for pupils to pay school fees in Uganda, RAPCD is currently exploring an income generating scheme to support this.
The success of the primary school has led to the development of a secondary school nearby so pupils can continue their education. The secondary school has recently opened with some of the buildings remaining under construction.
RAPCD also conducts community outreaches to find children with disabilities and help their families, and it runs parent support groups. The reputation of the school and its outreach work has changed people's attitudes towards disability and transformed the lives of children in the area.