#Education Cannot Wait #Uganda #Santina #Humanity Inclusion #Rhino Refugee Settlement

Empowered Through Learning: The Inspiring Journey of Santina

In the heart of Uganda's Rhino Refugee Settlement, a young girl named Santina stands as a beacon of hope amidst countless challenges faced by refugee children. At just 13 years old, her life story is a poignant testament to resilience and determination. Having fled from the violence in South Sudan with her family, Santina's journey has been anything but easy, especially due to a serious health condition that has dramatically impacted her development.

Santina's struggles began when she was just six years old, following a severe fever that left her with paralysis on the left side of her body. Her mother vividly recalls the moment when their lives took a drastic turn. "My daughter could not go out by herself. She was unable to help with daily tasks like cooking or cleaning," she shared, revealing the deep emotional toll this took on their family.

Despite these daunting obstacles, Santina's spirit refused to be crushed. Four years ago, she bravely started attending a primary school located two kilometers away from her home. With the help of a pioneering program from Humanity Inclusion (HI) funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), she has received the resources and support necessary to thrive in her educational journey.

Under this program, Santina has been given access to essential learning materials including books, art supplies, and puzzles—all designed to enhance her learning experience and build her confidence. "What I love most is writing and reading. I also enjoy playing soccer with my friends at school, and all of my friends are girls," Santina beamed, expressing her newfound sense of agency. "I'm happy because I can now use my left hand, which was weak before."

The dedicated therapists from HI have worked closely with Santina, providing personalized assistance to improve her daily living skills. Through their guidance, she has learned to dress herself, use the toilet independently, and enhance her fine motor skills through engaging activities like drawing and painting. "I can go anywhere in school without any problem now," Santina proudly claimed.

Teachers at her school have been fundamental in supporting her development, ensuring she sits in the front row for better visibility and providing her with specialized learning tools such as pencil grips and an angled writing board.

As the nation hosts the largest refugee population in Sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for accessible educational services has dramatically increased. With Uganda's vulnerability to climate-related disasters further complicating the plight of refugees, Santina's journey shines a light on the crucial need for ongoing support in education.

Yet, even with such challenges, Santina dares to dream big. "I want to continue my education until university, if I can. I wish to become a pastor in my community," she stated, demonstrating a commitment to not only her personal growth but also to her community's wellbeing.

Her journey represents an inspiring narrative of resilience, loving support from her family, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the circumstances they face. Since its inception in 2017, Education Cannot Wait has worked diligently with partners to enhance access to inclusive and quality education for vulnerable refugee children and adolescents, ensuring they receive holistic support including mental health care and gender equality initiatives.

As we follow Santina’s continuing story, we are reminded of the profound impact of education and the essential nature of empowerment through learning, particularly for those who face the harshest realities. Santina's path is not just a personal success; it is a collective victory for all who champion education as a fundamental right for every child worldwide.