My wheelchair from Budaka Children's Home has enabled me to live a normal life while managing activities at home with my parents.
My name is Owono Richard, and this story is about how I went from lacking disability services, support, and connection to feeling empowered and capable of living a whole and happy life.
I was born on September 13th, 1999, in Uganda (Merikiti Sub-County, Kalungu Village in Amuro Parish, Tororo District). I am a Japdhola by tribe and the second born in my large family of 8. My parents, Emmanuel and Annet, had six children total - including myself. Three girls and three boys.
Attending school before the pandemic
From 2007 to 2015, I attended primary level at Namengo Boys in Budaka where I scored 25 aggregates. Soon after, I joined Mother Kevin Comprehensive Secondary School in Pallisa for my O levels (2016-2019) where I scored 58.
The following year, I had hoped to join the A levels, but pursuing A levels in 2020 became impossible due to the global spread of COVID 19. In addition, all schools were being declared for closure by the President of Uganda.
Reflecting on my stay at school before the pandemic, I miss a lot of the hobbies I used to have. I particularly enjoyed watching football. However, I also loved music, dance, drumming, and co-operating with others. Unfortunately, I am currently at home as I write this due to school closures. However, I am hopeful and excited to resume my studies once schools re-open to study business.
This is my letter to you, dear reader. I call for your support to continue to brighten my future.
Owono Richard with his new wheelchair from Budaka Cheshire, all thanks to sponsors and donor support
Before my wheelchair
Before I received my wheelchair from Budaka Cheshire, Life was so tough. No one wished to come close to me. I had unmet needs that I hoped and dreamed of being able to meet, for example:
Life felt like a disaster, with my body holding me back from going to school or doing things that normal kids want to do. But, now that I have received my wheelchair, I feel uplifted every day.
It was tough watching other children without disabilities be well-accepted in society and feeling like I was left behind. At first, my parents thought I would stay in the institution forever because of my disability, but now that no longer seems like it's the only way for me to have support. My wheelchair has helped me enjoy my life and forget the suffering I had been experiencing.
Owono Richard // Budaka Cheshire Beneficiary
Feeling empowered and thankful
A great opportunity came into my hands from God. So, I'm taking this opportunity to thank the management of Budaka Cheshire Home; Because of their mission, I was able to have sponsors. My sponsors were able to provide me with a flexible wheelchair for day-to-day use.
It was tough watching other children without disabilities be well-accepted in society and feeling like I was left behind. At first, my parents thought I would stay in the institution forever because of my disability, but now that no longer seems like it's the only way for me to have support. My wheelchair has helped me enjoy my life and forget the suffering I had been experiencing.
I hope sharing my story shows you the impact that donor support and Budaka Cheshire have had on my life thus far. Life with a wheelchair is so good and enjoyable.
I have confidence in my capacity to participate in services such as freedom of worship, the ability to get an education, follow my dream of a business career, and go to the field to watch my friends playing football. In addition, I have been able to participate in the community and have access to many of my human rights thanks to this generous gift, and I thank you very much.
-Owono Richard
The impact of donor support
According to Richard, "when we lack these devices, we are helpless, and our parents send us to the childcare institutions because we are a burden to them."
Rather than placing vulnerable children in an orphanage, your gift can support children being in families. We support other children and youth, like Owono Richard, with disabilities to acquire assistive devices as part of the rehabilitation process at our CCI. In addition, we want improve family and community participation so that children can resettle in better situations than before admission.
When you give to Budaka Cheshire, you can change the world for a child. Help impact the lives of children and families by donating today.