DPF donates vocational items and assistive devices to Masindi Centre of the Handicapped – July 14, 2023

Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of physical or mental challenges. Unfortunately, many differently abled individuals face barriers when it comes to obtaining quality education and training. It is against this background that the Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda donated vocational items and assistive devices worth UGX 13,318,960 to Masindi Center of the Handicapped. The items donated included 8 wheelchairs, 12 pairs of clutches, 6 walkers, 10 pairs of hearing aids, 6 neck supporters, 10 sewing machines, 1 knitting machine, 2 hand dryers, 7 jack planes, 7 hammers, 7 handsaws and 6 slates and stylus.

Mr. Patrick Ezaga (white t-shirt) shakes hands with Ms. Zainabu Akugizibwe as a gesture to signal handing over of the items donated to the school. To witness the ceremony were officials from Masindi District Local Government, Members of the School Management Committee, staff of the Centre parents and pupils.

The Center was established in 1985 as a community-based organization and its enrollment has gradually increased from 9 children to 185. Currently, the Center accommodates 88 girls and 97 boys with age ranges of 6 to 20 years. The learners have different kinds of handicaps including the lame, the deaf, the intellectually impaired, autistic children, children with dyslexia and those with hydrocephalus. The Centre instructs learners using the primary school curriculum with an emphasis on vocational training.

In her speech delivered by the DPF Director Communications, Mr. Patrick Ezaga, DPF Chief Executive Officer – Dr. Julia Clare Olima Oyet (Mrs.) noted that the items donated to the Centre would enable the differently abled learners explore their potential and pursue their dreams. She said, “by equipping the students with these resources, we are empowering them to become self-reliant, confident, and independent individuals who can lead fulfilling lives.”

Mr. Patrick Ezaga – Director Communications delivering the CEO’s Speech. Mr. Ezaga represented the DPF Chief Executive Officer at the event.

Dr. Julia Oyet further commended the Board and Management of the Center for the commitment towards supporting the leaners and she noted, “We do not only recognize the difficult circumstances under which you operate, but we also immensely appreciate your steadfast commitment to soldier on. Not many people are capable of making the sacrifices you make on a daily.”

Speaking during the event, Ms. Zainabu Akugizibwe, the Head Teacher of the Centre appreciated DPF for the kind gesture noting that the items donated will improve mobility, sight and hearing of the children in need, as well as support them attain life-long skills.

Ms. Zainabu Akugizibwe (left), while delivering her remarks during the function.

In attendance was the Education Officer (Special Needs Education), Ms. Olivia Asiimwe who commended the Fund for extending a hand to learners with special needs. She specifically appreciated DPF for providing assistive devices for learners which were a challenge to the district leadership due to budgetary constraints.

Ms. Olivia Asiimwe – the Masindi District Education Officer in charge of Special Needs Education, while making remarks at the function.

The Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda is a government agency mandated to pay depositors their protected deposits, of up to UGX 10 million in the event of failure or closure of a financial institution supervised by Bank of Uganda – for liquidation.