Day 6 - Wheels for the World in Jinja, Uganda 2022

Day 6 - Wheels for the World in Jinja, Uganda 2022

a tech works on adjusting a child's wheelchair

We've got an amazing Wheels for the World team hard at work in Jinja, Uganda until the 18th June -- they'll be distributing and fitting wheelchairs to local disabled people with the partnership of our friends at RILD. Here's Rob's update from day 6. We'll post updates as often as data and time allow -- please do pray for the team and recipients over the next week and a bit.

Day 6:

39 people seen. 18 of those needing wheelchairs. Only 15 generic chairs left in stock!

Today was a second very busy day as hoped and expected.

It's been such a daily joy of the team to regularly see recipients overflowing with joy and delight in moving for the first time in their wheelchair.

One lady had not been pre-assessed but came anyway. As our pre-assessed list ended today she was fortunate to get a chair. She couldn't hold back her child-like grin at moving in her chair without crawling on the ground!

Today we had a visit from the local media! Good to give an interview about the work here and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities.

A teaching assistant came today with 3 children from a disability school. They all got wheelchairs as needed and the 4 of them, plus chairs, went home on two motorbikes!

A joyful day, but the challenge begins as we have run out of all but very large chairs. It's like the meat is eaten and just the bones left as the locals may say. Tomorrow will be a challenge as almost all chairs will need padding out and adapting before giving.

Keep praying for energy for the team as we keep up a good working pace into a hard day tomorrow. Thank you all!

Two people smiling - one is in their new fitted walker
a new recipient tests out their chaiar
A look across the distribution site, with people sitting waiting to be seen underneath a shelter
a young man with his new wheelchair, with his brothers on either side of him
a young girl in her new wheelchair with a family member
A little Ugandan child looking at a picture book while lying in a Ugandan woman's arms. The book is being shown by a UK volunteer and a Ugandan volunteer.
Team members interviewed for the local news
One recipient kneeling as they make their way across the floor
A child and team member praying together
A child testing out their new walker across the distribution centre
Loading up a family and a new wheelchair on a motorbike
A team member and a mobility aid recipient smiling together after a fitting
a child in a yellow football top sits in his new walker
The wheels for the world team meeting the local partners
A rainbow spotted over the distribution site
A mother and child reading a book while they wait for a fitting
Assessing a potential recipient
Making adjustments to some foam and wheelchair parts
A child in a red t shirt in their new wheelchair
The team wheelchair races, as one team member celebrates crossing the line while another pushes them
Recipients and family gathered waiting in the distribution centre
One new recipients lifting up his arms in celebration
Fitting a buggy for a young child
Inside the team van after buying foam for wheelchair adjustments

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Day 5 - Wheels for the World in Jinja, Uganda 2022

A team member entertains a child with Henry, the bird puppet

We've got an amazing Wheels for the World team hard at work in Jinja, Uganda until the 18th June -- they'll be distributing and fitting wheelchairs to local disabled people with the partnership of our friends at RILD. Here's Rob's update from day 5. We'll post updates as often as data and time allow -- please do pray for the team and recipients over the next week and a bit.

Day 5:

We hoped and prayed for a busy day today and we got it! 45 people seen, 29 needing wheelchairs and buggies. We had 4 therapy stations running efficiently so we did not feel rushed!

Henry the bird was a big hit with the children today! Along with bubbles and toys, distraction is helpful when your chair is being adjusted and fitted.

Saw some lovely people who were so thankful for the mobility aids.

We had a challenging case of an 18 year old with a 3 year history of blisters, weakness and other endocrine problems. His hospital told him it was nothing physical and others said it was most likely witchcraft. He looked so down and depressed and told us it was witchcraft that caused his immobility. He had not been at school for 3 years.

We recommended he go to a different hospital for tests, and he saw Carol for prayer and some counselling. The team tried to point him to God spiritually and good healthcare physically. Now he has a chair he can go to school and it will be easier to find another hospital.

A lovely rainbow was seen this morning, reminding us of God's promises.

Two people smiling - one is in their new fitted walker
a new recipient tests out their chaiar
A look across the distribution site, with people sitting waiting to be seen underneath a shelter
a young man with his new wheelchair, with his brothers on either side of him
a young girl in her new wheelchair with a family member
A little Ugandan child looking at a picture book while lying in a Ugandan woman's arms. The book is being shown by a UK volunteer and a Ugandan volunteer.
Team members interviewed for the local news
One recipient kneeling as they make their way across the floor
A child and team member praying together
A child testing out their new walker across the distribution centre
Loading up a family and a new wheelchair on a motorbike
A team member and a mobility aid recipient smiling together after a fitting
a child in a yellow football top sits in his new walker
The wheels for the world team meeting the local partners
A rainbow spotted over the distribution site
A mother and child reading a book while they wait for a fitting
Assessing a potential recipient
Making adjustments to some foam and wheelchair parts
A child in a red t shirt in their new wheelchair
The team wheelchair races, as one team member celebrates crossing the line while another pushes them
Recipients and family gathered waiting in the distribution centre
One new recipients lifting up his arms in celebration
Fitting a buggy for a young child
Inside the team van after buying foam for wheelchair adjustments

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Day 3 - Wheels for the World in Jinja, Uganda 2022

A child in a red t shirt in their new wheelchair

We've got an amazing Wheels for the World team hard at work in Jinja, Uganda until the 18th June -- they'll be distributing and fitting wheelchairs to local disabled people with the partnership of our friends at RILD. Here's Rob's update from day 3. We'll post updates as often as data and time allow -- please do pray for the team and recipients over the next week and a bit.

Day 3:
20 people seen today.

Some more complex cases. A very young child who was tiny for her age was assessed. It was easier for her to be carried on her mothers back rather than use a wheelchair. But the team came up with a very creative seating system to help them sit!

Her mother sells tomatoes at a stall with her child, so instead of lying on the ground they can sit up and see the world.

We had another lady who just crawled on the ground. She wants to be a hairdresser and is doing some training for this. Being able to move around at work instead of crawling and re-positioning the plastic chair is key for her job- she is so excited!

Tomorrow it is Sunday, no distribution. But the team will attend Pastor Joseph’s church and have been given an oppertunity to preach the main sermon on disability inclusion, which they are very excited about!
So we look forward to this and to a day of rest.

Thank you all for your prayers.

The team wheelchair races, as one team member celebrates crossing the line while another pushes themAlso the traditional Wheels for the World Wheelchair race was conducted in good form after the days work. It was a close finish, but good fun for the international and local team to bond and learn how challenge it can be to navigate different terrain in a wheelchair.

Two people smiling - one is in their new fitted walker
a new recipient tests out their chaiar
A look across the distribution site, with people sitting waiting to be seen underneath a shelter
a young man with his new wheelchair, with his brothers on either side of him
a young girl in her new wheelchair with a family member
A little Ugandan child looking at a picture book while lying in a Ugandan woman's arms. The book is being shown by a UK volunteer and a Ugandan volunteer.
Team members interviewed for the local news
One recipient kneeling as they make their way across the floor
A child and team member praying together
A child testing out their new walker across the distribution centre
Loading up a family and a new wheelchair on a motorbike
A team member and a mobility aid recipient smiling together after a fitting
a child in a yellow football top sits in his new walker
The wheels for the world team meeting the local partners
A rainbow spotted over the distribution site
A mother and child reading a book while they wait for a fitting
Assessing a potential recipient
Making adjustments to some foam and wheelchair parts
A child in a red t shirt in their new wheelchair
The team wheelchair races, as one team member celebrates crossing the line while another pushes them
Recipients and family gathered waiting in the distribution centre
One new recipients lifting up his arms in celebration
Fitting a buggy for a young child
Inside the team van after buying foam for wheelchair adjustments

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Day 2 - Wheels for the World in Jinja, Uganda 2022

One new recipients lifting up his arms in celebration

We've got an amazing Wheels for the World team hard at work in Jinja, Uganda until the 18th June -- they'll be distributing and fitting wheelchairs to local disabled people with the partnership of our friends at RILD. Here's Rob's update from day 2. We'll post updates as often as data and time allow -- please do pray for the team and recipients over the next week and a bit.

Day 2:
Around 28 people seen today!

Some lovely episodes of care today by the team.

A young teacher could only afford one crutch after an accident, but the doctor said he needed two. It was worn down by an inch and repaired many times. He was so happy to get two new crutches!

We had a sad case of a young woman who arrived by ambulance! She is currently in hospital after a devastating stroke following a miscarriage. But her family didn't want her to miss a wheelchair. She was unable to move at all. Kathy fitted a tilting chair that means a person can lie flat. Her family were very grateful!

It was a joy to see everyone working so hard.

Thank you all for praying!

Two people smiling - one is in their new fitted walker
a new recipient tests out their chaiar
A look across the distribution site, with people sitting waiting to be seen underneath a shelter
a young man with his new wheelchair, with his brothers on either side of him
a young girl in her new wheelchair with a family member
A little Ugandan child looking at a picture book while lying in a Ugandan woman's arms. The book is being shown by a UK volunteer and a Ugandan volunteer.
Team members interviewed for the local news
One recipient kneeling as they make their way across the floor
A child and team member praying together
A child testing out their new walker across the distribution centre
Loading up a family and a new wheelchair on a motorbike
A team member and a mobility aid recipient smiling together after a fitting
a child in a yellow football top sits in his new walker
The wheels for the world team meeting the local partners
A rainbow spotted over the distribution site
A mother and child reading a book while they wait for a fitting
Assessing a potential recipient
Making adjustments to some foam and wheelchair parts
A child in a red t shirt in their new wheelchair
The team wheelchair races, as one team member celebrates crossing the line while another pushes them
Recipients and family gathered waiting in the distribution centre
One new recipients lifting up his arms in celebration
Fitting a buggy for a young child
Inside the team van after buying foam for wheelchair adjustments

1 2

Day 1 - Wheels for the World in Jinja, Uganda 2022

Two team members waiting to see potential recipients at the admin desk

We've got an amazing Wheels for the World team hard at work in Jinja, Uganda until the 18th June -- they'll be distributing and fitting wheelchairs to local disabled people with the partnership of our friends at RILD. We'll post updates as often as data and time allow -- please do pray for the team and recipients over the next week and a bit.

Excellent first day of the Jinga 2022 distribution. 27 people seen, several were ‘roofbreakers’ who are advocates for disability inclusion in the community.

One lady had received an injection at 4 years old that had damaged her sciatic nerve, meaning lifelong mobility problems. Her existing crutches were worn short with excessive use! She was so happy with her new ones!

We had a young man whose family had missed the polio vaccine, leading him to catch polio and lose the use of his legs. He had not had a wheelchair before but walked by pressing his hands on his feet and moving them forward. “We have to find a chair as strong as you are” said the therapist. He was happy with his new chair and began using it well.

Today was mainly getting setup and running. We hope for another long night's sleep to catch up on our missed night and a good busy day tomorrow!

Thank you all for praying!

Two people smiling - one is in their new fitted walker
a new recipient tests out their chaiar
A look across the distribution site, with people sitting waiting to be seen underneath a shelter
a young man with his new wheelchair, with his brothers on either side of him
a young girl in her new wheelchair with a family member
A little Ugandan child looking at a picture book while lying in a Ugandan woman's arms. The book is being shown by a UK volunteer and a Ugandan volunteer.
Team members interviewed for the local news
One recipient kneeling as they make their way across the floor
A child and team member praying together
A child testing out their new walker across the distribution centre
Loading up a family and a new wheelchair on a motorbike
A team member and a mobility aid recipient smiling together after a fitting
a child in a yellow football top sits in his new walker
The wheels for the world team meeting the local partners
A rainbow spotted over the distribution site
A mother and child reading a book while they wait for a fitting
Assessing a potential recipient
Making adjustments to some foam and wheelchair parts
A child in a red t shirt in their new wheelchair
The team wheelchair races, as one team member celebrates crossing the line while another pushes them
Recipients and family gathered waiting in the distribution centre
One new recipients lifting up his arms in celebration
Fitting a buggy for a young child
Inside the team van after buying foam for wheelchair adjustments

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A Helpful Crew

1_A-crew-aboard-a-dragon-boat

Through the Roof are looking to form a team to enter this year’s Dragonboat race on 17th July on the river Thames, Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2 5AU.

We need a team of up to 16 people plus the drummer to beat time for the crew. Races take place every 15 minutes throughout the day with each team racing at least three times over the 250 metre course. The first race takes place at 9.30am and the final one at about 4.30pm.

Technical T-shirts, energy bars and drinks will be provided along with lots of support, fun and laughter. No experience needed! Each Through the Roof crew member will need to pay £30.00 to secure their place plus fundraise a target of £150.

Please contact suzanne@throughtheroof.org or phone the office on 01372 749 955 if you'd like to find out more or join us. Thank you!

Helping Your Church Leader To Catch The Vision For Disability Inclusion - Online Event with Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards, a speaker at one of our events, standing in a garden in front of some bright pink plants.

Join us for our next free online event...
'Helping Your Church Leader To Catch The Vision For Disability Inclusion'
with Revd Jonathan Edwards
on Saturday 21st May 10.30am - 12.00

Jonathan Edwards is a Baptist minister and works closely with a number of Christian disability organisations. He is eager to encourage church leaders to get involved and looks forward to sharing ideas with us. He has been an adviser and friend to Through the Roof for a number of years.

Please come along and invite others too. Open to everyone!

Follow this link to register.`

"He Now Has A Dignified Place" - the Spring 2022 Vital Link Newsletter

VL-SPRING-2022

Welcome to the Spring 2022 issue of the Vital Link newsletter. This issue contains stories from our amazing Kumi Wheels for the World distribution, plus a new Luke 5 award, some holiday news, and reports from our online events (plus much more)

Please contact us on 01372 749955 (or email info@throughtheroof.org) to get a copy in any other format.

You can also view the PDF in the JooMag viewer, which offers easy zooming and page scrolling...

Open publication - Free publishing

Blog 4: Wheels in Kumi, Uganda 2022

WhatsApp-Image-2022-02-28-at-13.22.23

We've got a great team working hard in Kumi Uganda from the 10th to 20th Feb. We'll bring you their life-changing stories and pictures just as often as the internet connection allows. Here's Sam's report from the final day of distribution.

Day 4 began much quieter than the others, with the staff wheeling all the remaining chairs and walking aids through to the workshop, leaving the storeroom empty! As usual the clients gathered under the marquee, this time there was no overflow into the shade of the trees. Everyone prayed while Simon read from the Bible, everyone felt good knowing we would be able to help every client today.

By this point the system had become very smooth, with Lynne Williams registering clients into the waiting area where they will be called up by Modesta, one of our translators, and other staff when ready to be seen by the therapists. The extra space we had gained by having only clients previously chosen by the in-country team was well utilised, allowing for a much clearer separation between clients who needed to be registered and those waiting to be seen by the therapists. This had been a challenge in previous days due to the large numbers of people attending.

A young boy in a new wheelchair wheels across a basketball courtJeremiah Otim is 6 years old and suffers from cerebral palsy, he was unable to crawl or feed himself. Sadly, there were no child’s wheelchairs remaining, but this posed no problem to our amazing techies! Cushioning was fashioned into a full-size wheelchair to fit Jeremiah and even offer support to his head, a problem he has been facing his whole life.

Betty Aanyu was carried in by her family, she claimed to be 135 years old, although I’m not so sure I believe her! Betty has struggled as she cannot mobilise herself without her family, she wishes to travel to church and into hospital for treatment. Her wheelchair will give her the freedom to do so and allow her family the time to work as Betty will not be as dependant on them.

The main issue we faced today was with the availability of suitable wheelchairs. We had so few left to distribute that we no longer had the luxury of choosing the ideal wheelchair for each client. This was particularly apparent with the children who need smaller chairs. So we had to carefully match the last few people to the remaining chairs, but as so often happens, we felt God’s hand was upon this as each person remaining got a chair that was best for them, even down to the last person and the very last chair.

One of the team laughs with a child in their new wheelchairAt the end of the day, we had distributed every single wheelchair, knowing that nothing is wasted is the African way! It was sad to know that we will not be returning tomorrow but, knowing just how many people we had helped, we could leave with smiles on our faces.

Life-Transforming Disability Inclusion -- Two New Luke 5 Awards

The Luke 5 certificate is presented to the leadership team at Ingatestone Elim

Great stories from our Luke 5 Awards

When disabled people are included in Christian life what a life-transforming difference it makes! We’re celebrating two ‘Luke 5 Awards’ for Christian disability inclusion and hear the stories behind the awards…

Congratulations to Ingatestone Elim Church, one of our first ‘Luke 5 Award’ recipients. Sheri Cavill is registered blind and attends Ingatestone Elim Church, where she says “Our Pastor and eldership team are fully accepting of disabled people and willing to make adjustments.” Sheri says “I receive large print materials, I am encouraged to be myself and help to lead services in a local care home.  I play drums in one of our two worship groups.  I give words of encouragement, dance and our building is fully accessible. Accessible website in progress.”

Sheri says that this positive attitude of the church gives her ‘the space to be myself’, to glorify God and to know too that other disabled brothers and sisters are welcome in the church.

A Luke 5 Award has also been awarded to The Journey Community, a ministry led by Rev Cath Hollywell in Derbyshire. Sarah Johnson made this nomination due to the transformation it has brought to her life.

Sarah says, “I’ve struggled to find a worship space that didn’t try to just make me fit into an ableist world view.” However, she says about the Journey Community: “They have accepted me for me (without the ‘what’s wrong with you’ conversation!)”

“The work on Zoom is amazing, even when the group has met and I wasn’t able to be physically present they zoomed me in! They have met outside to ensure accessible comfort, meaning I could attend on my scooter. They have encouraged me to be open about some of the struggles of living my disabled life; meaning that I’ve turned up on-line in PJs and in excruciating pain in bed but been present at morning prayer; something I desperately wanted to attend as it brings me comfort. They have encouraged me to use my gifts, attend training, develop prayer resources; to dare to look at possibilities.”

When asked what difference this has made, Sarah says: “I feel alive! Valued for the disabled person I am, in an embracing and encouraging way”

“At last I feel that I am in a space where I can grow as the person God made, in a way that is appropriate to my limitations but not in a way where I’m made to feel less.  I’m so grateful for all Cath and the other community members have done and I honestly believe they deserve this award.”

If you have experience of living with disability and would like to recognise how your church/ministry or an individual has enabled inclusion for you, please contact Through the Roof or follow this link to fill in the Luke 5 Award nomination form.