By Nathan Eyagu

Mbale, Uganda – In a significant milestone for inclusive education, Action of Love International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, has successfully enrolled its first cohort of beneficiaries in secondary education.

This initiative, part of the organization’s broader education support program, aims to provide children with disabilities access to quality learning and vocational skills.  

On Monday, seven students living with disabilities were officially enrolledone at St. Francis School of the Deaf in Soroti City and six at Mbale School of the Deaf.

Established in 2008, Mbale School of the Deaf serves children with hearing impairments and later expanded in 2013 to introduce a vocational training section under the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB). This program ensures that students who may not pursue traditional secondary education still acquire essential skills for self-sufficiency.  

The enrollment event was filled with emotion as the children, some of whom had faced years of uncertainty about their education, took their first steps toward a brighter future. Parents, teachers, and members of Action of Love International gathered to witness the life-changing moment.  

Speaking to the media, Emmanuel Opio, Chairman of the Board of Action of Love International, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to donors and supporters who made the initiative possible.  

The students, accompanied by their parents, were warmly welcomed by the school community. Many parents were overwhelmed with emotion as they saw their children officially admitted into an institution that would provide them with specialized education and care.  

"I never imagined my child would one day wear a school uniform and walk into a classroom like other children," said a tearful mother.  

"This organization has not only changed my child's life but has also given our family a renewed sense of hope," another parent added.  

Wamono Vincent, the Deputy Head Teacher of Mbale School of the Deaf, reassured parents that the school prioritizes both academic and practical education. He emphasized the importance of vocational training in equipping students with lifelong skills.  

"Every child who comes through our doors is a blessing, not a burden. Society often misunderstands children with disabilities, but we see their potential. Beyond academics, we ensure all students receive vocational training on weekends so they can be self-reliant after graduation. Some of our former students have even returned as teachers, proving that disability is not inability," Vincent explained.  

He also assured parents of the school's commitment to security and student well-being, stating, "We have professional teachers, caretakers, and security personnel who ensure that all students are safe and well taken care of. This is a government school that attracts students from all over the country, and we take our responsibility very seriously." 

For the students, this opportunity represents more than just an education - it is a second chance at life. Many of them, who previously faced rejection and stigma in their communities, expressed their gratitude with hopeful smiles and emotional words.  

"I will study hard so that one day I can take care of my family and help other children like me," one of the beneficiaries said.  

Parents who accompanied their children to the school hailed Action of Love International for its unwavering commitment to supporting the most vulnerable.  

"We had lost hope. We thought our children would never get an education, but this organization has shown us that love and kindness still exist in this world," a father shared.  

Speaking on the broader vision of Action of Love International, Jefferson Kandi, the CEO of the organization, recognized the critical role of donors in making the program a success.  

"There is great hope for persons living with disabilities because they have people who love and value them deeply. Our donors believe in the importance of educating children with disabilities, and we are committed to increasing the number of beneficiaries in the future," Kandi stated.    

The successful enrollment of these students marks only the beginning of Action of Love International’s mission. The organization continues to seek support from well-wishers and partners to expand its education program and reach more children in need.  

"Every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. We urge more people to join us in making education accessible for children with disabilities," Kandi concluded.  

As the students settle into their new learning environment, their journey serves as a powerful reminder that education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right - one that can transform lives, break cycles of poverty, and create a more inclusive society for all.