Breaking education barriers | A story of hope from Uganda

In less developed countries of the world, access to education is limited. Access to specialized education is incredibly rare. There are over 1 billion people in the world with disabilities according to the World Health Organization, and many of them are less likely to ever start or complete education and acquire basic literacy skills.

At GO Project, we not only want to ensure the safety and well-being of the children whose lives we connect with, but their futures as well. Our local church partners in Gulu, Uganda, made it the top priority to ensure one blind student named Angelo Peter from Torit, South Sudan, received access to inclusive education and hope for the future.

South Sudan has the highest rate of out of school children in the world at an estimated 2.2 million – a number that is projected to continue to rise, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Negative perceptions, stereotyping and social stigma surrounding disabilities contribute to the lack of attendance for disabled school-aged children and underreporting. The national curriculum does not accomodate disabled children.

Due to these circumstances, our local church partners at the Father’s House in Gulu, graciously took in Angelo from Torit so he would have access to the specialized education he needs and deserves. There, he attends the Blind Division of Gulu Primary School, a mixed day and boarding church founded school offering inclusive education. The school provides quality inclusive educational services, resources and individualized instructions to children with physical disabilities, the blind, visually impaired and normal children to achieve academic, social and life skills.

“Seeing a blind boy from a church in South Sudan welcomed into a local church in Uganda so he can receive specialized education is an amazing example of the body of Christ in action,” said Jake Barreth, Director of International Ministry. “When churches come together for the sake of children, the Kingdom advances. Gaining access to education and advancement that was otherwise out of reach, the church has given a bright future to this child and many more like him.”

Although the bright Angelo isn’t currently able to attend school due to the pandemic, he is still learning and putting his education to work. He wanted to share a poem about the virus below.

We are so grateful for all of our partners who go above and beyond to ensure children are given the love, care and resources they need to have better futures for themselves and their families.

Please consider giving to our Greatest Need fund to help provide more opportunities for education and a better hope for the future for even more children around the world.