It really isn't

#disabilityisnotinability

I’m very excited writing this; for me it was a spectacular day. We went back to the dusty mud brick Abeko Baptist Church, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. While we were meeting, Charles and Fred changed a tyre that had been punctured by a thorn. Sun beating down on the thatched roof, a gentle breeze making the heat more bearable. Slowly, the executive members appeared, some sweating from the exertion of their travels, one lady with a cannula in her hand as she was still being treated at the health centre. Men and boys sat on home made wooden benches and chairs, ladies on mats and cloths on the floor, some with babies at the breast.

I had belatedly remembered that we should have included an official representative of people with disability in the discussions and fortunately Francis was available to travel with us. He is an elected member for the region to a national council on disability, and his contribution took the meeting to another level of insight and effectiveness. First we had the required courtesies and introductions, prayers and expressions of thanks and hope. The chairman explained the genesis of the group, how they had decided to engage local cell representatives who, though not themselves disabled, had experience as community mobilisers working with Global Care. The parish is very rural and covers a large area so the local presence makes a lot of sense. Francis was impressed with the constitution David has drawn up, based on that at Atiira DSG, only making a couple of recommendations, especially the need to include formal representation of women and youth.

We spent some time as a group considering the needs that had been shared on Tuesday. People were able to give their opinions about the priority of education compared to meeting care needs or increasing household income. Someone pointed out that disabled people were sleeping in the open without shelter because they were physically unable to build their own homes. Of course they don’t have enough money to pay someone else to do the work. Children easily become discouraged from attending school if they are mocked by their peers, though they were encouraged to persevere by Francis. Through this discussion we got a better idea of how the group could work together on a strategy. I was also impressed that, while the group is thankful to Global Care for supporting the set up process, they do not intend to be dependent on continuing funding from them, but to develop a range of income streams including their own subscriptions. Mechanisms are also being put in place for proper recording of financial transactions, guided by the Village Savings officials.

Francis spoke then from his experience of the political world. He said that it was all very well to complain that their interests were neglected by politicians, but this is their opportunity to participate in the political and resource allocation process. He went on to explain that as a legally registered community group, they would be in line to receive funding when local government budgets were allocated. He even explained about the annual funding cycle and when they need to be ready with their plans. He explored other relevant topics. I was getting a bit weary, but the group was so attentive, and afterwards expressed their amazement at the knowledge that he was sharing with them. As we hoped, they felt empowered but also recognized their need for further training.

For me the experience confirmed that it is vital that these topics are addressed whenever possible by disabled persons themselves. Aside from the fact that Francis has far more experience and knowledge than any of the GC team, the fact that he is himself disabled and yet moves in these circles is so encouraging to these people in the village. He told them a story of a woman who was denied a bed at the Hospital, until he turned up in the office and mentioned that he could easily call the national TV programme to report on the issue, when suddenly two doctors appeared. So thanks and credit to him for being prepared to trek out into the country with us to support this group.

After the meeting we shared posho, rice, chicken, pork, and vegetables with our new friends, took a group photo and set off back to town. People on foot, on bikes and motorcycles, some carrying water from the various boreholes, all have to move aside as Charles hurls the Toyota down the dirt track, occasionally slowing down for a few cows, an extra bumpy bit of track, or a boda-boda driver who doesn’t want to give way. It scares me, but he has never been known to have an accident. We return Francis to his wife and family and Charles drops us at the hotel and goes off to get the tyre mended.

Next, we have been invited to Fred and Viola’s for a meal. This is a wonderful couple and we are so blessed to be their friends. Sadly this is our goodbye to them as we are leaving town on Monday.