Introduction of Good Samaritan Inclusive Primary School

I was introduced the the Good Samaritan Inclusive Primary School through an email from Kizza Arnold Luminsa, PTA Member from the school. We started to email back and forth about the needs of their school in Uganda. Here at Paths to Literacy, we are an online platform and do not supply materials. But, making connections and helping to get braille books in the hands of students to support their literacy journey is a cause we strongly support and work towards as a vision community.

I told Kizza that I would pass along their needs and highlight all their hard work with their beautiful students.

A large group of primary school students from Uganda sitting out front of their school. — Students sitting in a group outside of their school in Uganda holding up books that have braille and print.

A letter from the director

Good Samaritan Inclusive Primary School is a cherished institution located in Mukono Central Division, approximately 2 kilometres from Mukono Town, Uganda. Founded about 20 years ago, the school has been dedicated to providing quality education and care to children with
various disabilities. Currently, the school supports over 100 children living with diverse physical and intellectual challenges. While the resources are limited, we have made significant strides in expanding our services, including the recent admission of children with visual impairments and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Due to the overwhelming demand from children with these specific needs, we are now planning an expansion of both
the school and our residential home. Our goal is to accommodate and better support children with visual impairments and hearing disabilities. In this expansion, we aim to hire two trained special needs teachers, one male and one female, to ensure proper care and education for these children.
For our expansion to be successful and sustainable, we also require the following resources:

A Model Library: We are excited about the prospect of starting a library that will serve as a model not only for our school but for the entire community. This library will provide essential resources for children with various learning needs, supporting both academic growth and leisure reading.

Computers: Computers are critical for facilitating learning, especially in today’s digital age. They will be used to support both academic and life skills development, especially for children visual impairments.

Braille Machines: These machines are essential tools for teaching and enhancing the learning experience of visually impaired children, allowing them to read and write independently. They also help create a supportive environment where students, both those with visual impairments and their peers, can communicate, grow, and thrive together.

Slates and Braille Paper: These items are fundamental for children who rely on Braille to communicate, helping them engage in their education in a meaningful way.

A large group of students with their teachers sitting under a tree outside of their school in Uganda.

Currently, the home cares for children with a wide range of conditions, including:

Spina Bifida
Cerebral Palsy
Hydrocephalus
Physical Disabilities
Albinism
Sickle Cell Disease
Autism
Down Syndrome
HIV/AIDS

Our services to these children are comprehensive and
include:

Rehabilitation Services: We strive to improve the children’s mobility and physical abilities through surgeries and other therapeutic methods.
Nutrition and Immunity Support: We provide a balanced and nutritious diet to help boost the children’s immunity and overall health.
Hygiene and Personal Care: We maintain high standards of cleanliness and ensure that each child feels loved and valued.
Educational Support: We offer both academic and practical skills training, preparing children for the future with essential knowledge and abilities.
Physiotherapy Services: Our physiotherapy interventions are tailored to improve the children’s mobility and nerve function.
Sports and Talent Development: We encourage the children to engage in sports, helping to discover and nurture their unique talents.
Spiritual Support: We guide the children in prayer and spiritual growth, helping them to appreciate God’s love and feel valued.
Health Support: We take the children to medical facilities whenever they need attention, ensuring they receive necessary treatments.

Students in a line outside of their school in Uganda with their teachers holding up the braille and print books.

We are particularly grateful for our partnership with Seedlings Braille Books for Children. The children here absolutely love the books you sent us, as they find them both simple to understand and fun to read. Your support has brought joy and enrichment to their learning experience.
We are deeply committed to improving the lives of children with disabilities and expanding our services to meet their growing needs. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we
look forward to continuing our partnership to make a positive difference in the lives of these wonderful children.

Stay Blessed! Sincerely- MIGADDE FRED DIRECTOR.