Catherine Apolot
Christmas came early for 101 children with disabilities under ‘Fenna Tujjune’ as the Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) organised a colorful party for them at Kiwatule Recreation Center on December 1.
The fun day, which was filled with lots of fun, love, laughter, gift giving from the general public, sponsors was also graced by Santa Claus, who kept the children happy.
As part of the day’s event, the children engaged in a talent show, showcasing some of their hidden skills such as rapping, singing, handcrafts, tailoring, dancing as well as sports.
For example, the day’s MC left attendees mesmerized by his ability to tell what was happening on stage yet he was visually impaired.
Fenna Tujjune beneficiaries include children with hearing impairment, physically handicapped, those suffering from cancer, the visually impaired, as well as those with autism.
“Before the number of beneficiaries grew to hundred, we used to contact generous families to dine with one or two beneficiaries on Christmas. This was to help them get into the spirit and experience festivities as a family. We are grateful that these families gladly shared the seasons with us,” Fenna Tujunne founder Shantal Ramonah Quolter said. “Currently due to the overwhelming number of beneficiaries we are grateful to UMS for the party for all of us in one place.”
Fenna Tujjune is a non-profit organization that started in 2014 by a group of orphans with an intention of giving moral support, motivate and inspire children growing without parents. In 2016, though, the priorities switched after one of the orphans/group members lost a leg in a car accident, and thereafter a job and driving license to a traffic officer.
This, Emmanuel Lovati, the foundation’s spokesperson says, opened their eyes to what was happening to PWDs in Uganda.
They concentrated on protecting orphaned/abandoned children with disabilities.
“Fenna Tujjune started by helping four cancer victims who were abandoned by their parents at a cancer home. We were then recommended to a school for blind children to help the growing number of abandoned children. This particular school then recommended the initiative to an autistic school which was going through trouble with an increasing number of children abandoned,” Lovati says.
“We believes that it is the responsibility of all Ugandans to participate in breaking the Stigma for children who are visually impaired, deaf, living with physical disabilities and Autism (artistic children) in our communities,” Ramonah says.
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