HUGS has helped find unique ways to meet the needs of children with disabilities.

Over the years we have helped fund wheelchairs, special walking equipment, glasses, hearing aids, a Braille typewriter and encouraged vocational skills training for pupils who are unable to achieve high academic result. Simply providing a level area to play sports can help those students whose strengths are not found in the classroom.

Providing the right environment for special needs is essential. Good Shepherd School, in Fort Portal is the first special needs school in Uganda. The brainchild of Sr Theresa Abigada it was built using HUGS money. There are 130 pupils enrolled, cared for in a loving and yet challenging environment plus an additional 25 students on the outreach programme. The school houses boarding facilities for 10 children, a pig farm, fish pond and chickens. Carpentry, textiles, sign language and hair dressing are taught. Life is safe, contributions are encouraged, skills are grown.

We help our trusted advisors identify disabled children who are at home, unschooled. We  bought a motor bike to help OPDC workers travel to isolated households. We sponsor a school outreach programme in Fort Portal so those too disabled to leave their houses can have the opportunity to learn to read and write. We help to restore the sight or hearing of children who are unable to attend school. 

The work of our trusted representatives challenges the cultural acceptance of children who are different.

Last summer, for the first time pupils from Good Shepherd entered the local school football tournament and they came first.

Last summer, for the first time pupils from Good Shepherd entered the local school football tournament and they came first.