A festival for everyone: PWDs enjoy a fun day with their children

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The Toto Christmas Festival is an inclusive event for all parents, welcoming everyone regardless of their circumstances. Whatever state a parent or child arrives in, they are embraced and encouraged to enjoy the fun.

Olive Nakanjako, a parent who is in the category of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), was determined to attend this year’s Toto Festival with her children at Kampala Parents’ sports ground in Naguru.

“Last year, I didn’t come because my children were visiting somewhere, though they attended,” she says.

“This year, I made it a point to be here with them.” Although she is blind, Nakanjako says she enjoys the laughter of children in the air and the sounds of them playing. “I love hearing that my children are happy and having fun,” she says.

One of her children, Prosper Ezekiel Kirya, who will be a Primary Seven candidate next year, says he has had great fun swimming and playing. Meanwhile, Precious Mulungi, who will be in Primary Six next year, has enjoyed face painting and riding the camel.

Nakanjako’s children have also taken part in the Toto Christmas Festival competitions. Mulungi participated in a dancing competition, while Kirya joined the drawing contest.

Even though it is Nakanjako’s first time at the festival, she says she is not disappointed.

“There are so many activities children can take part in at a low cost of sh10,000,” she says.

She adds that her children are already making new friends, something she considers important in today’s fast-paced world.

“You never know when they will meet again,” she says. “Perhaps they can help one another in the future.”

Nakanjako encourages other PWDs to engage their children in such events. She says it helps to reduce boredom and provides valuable learning experiences for the children.

At an entrance fee of sh10,000, the Toto Christmas Festival is sponsored by Ruparelia Group, Sumz, NIRA, Toyota, Pepsi and Indomie.