Children with disabilities celebrate Christmas

MUKONO - Hundreds of children with disabilities, and their families, celebrated Christmas at the Daughters of Charity Home, Kiwanga, in Mukono district, rights activists said, aimed to bring a smile, joy, and hope among the young ones.

“We are dedicated to ensuring children with disabilities have a voice and experience true inclusion in society, from family to school and the workplace. These children should be helped to embrace the season's true meaning by bringing light, love, and warmth, for they need it most," said Ramonah Shantal Sarah Olunda, the president of Persons with Disabilities at the Women Entrepreneurship Forum Africa (WEFA), also the compassionate founder of Fenna Tujunne, a non-profit orgainasation aiding the disadvantaged in Uganda.

Children having dinner.

She added, “Each smile among these children after receiving the gifts is a reminder that the magic of Christmas lies in the bonds we create and the compassion we extend to one another. It is a heartwarming day of joy, togetherness, and the assurance that no one is ever truly alone in the warmth of love and care.”

While the children received toys and special items that sparked joy and laughter, the organisation also recognised the often-overlooked challenges faced by caregivers, as they provided washing machines to help ease the daily burdens of those who dedicate their lives to caring for children with disabilities.

Children having fun from bouncing castles.

Fun activities

Olunda also spearheaded the celebrations, championed the bottle-filling competitions, eating contests, dance-offs, and modelling events, among others, leaving children with a fun-filled day to remember.

Children who won in competetions were rewarded with prizes to take home, as a bouncing castle added to the festive atmosphere.

A parent feeding her child.

Donors appreciated

Olunda expressed her deep appreciation for the donors whose generous contributions made the celebration possible, “As Fenna Tujunne, we have been doing this every year since 2017. While children without disabilities celebrate Christmas with their families, these children often struggle to experience that same joy. So, when we gather here to celebrate with them, it becomes their Christmas. We do this to ensure they feel the warmth of family and togetherness. My goal is to one day celebrate with them on Christmas Day itself, but it’s still challenging, as many people want to be with their families on that day. That’s why we celebrate a little earlier.”

“This Christmas is not only a gift to the children, but a tribute to the kindness and humanity that binds us all together. We are all part of a larger family, and together, we’ve made sure that no child is forgotten in this season of giving.”