Six-year-old Letasi lives with her mother, Ajio, in Alibajiako Village, Katrini Subcounty, Terego District. Letasi was born with a disability that left the left side of her body weak. Ajio says she only noticed it when Letasi was around four months old and starting to sit.
“Her left side was not active,” Ajio says. “She could not clap, play with other children, or walk. I carried her until she was four years old.”
Life was difficult for Ajio. “I was always worried. Having a child with a disability stopped me from going to the garden, joining community groups, or attending church. I had to stay with her all the time. Carrying her for many years made me weak and gave me back pain,” she recalls.
When Alibajiako Home Learning Centre (HLC) started in 2023, Ajio brought Lestasi so she could meet and play with other children.
“At that time, she could walk but leaned to one side. Her left hand was too weak to hold or do anything,” she explains.
In November 2024, LABE, with support from Liliane Fonds, collaborated with AVSI Foundation and Arua Regional Referral Hospital to hold a diagnostic camp under the Inclusive Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCWD)/BEN Project. Here, Letasi received a special hand splint to help strengthen and correct her weak arm.
Letasi has shown significant improvement since the intervention.
Her left hand can now hold objects. She can carry a three-litre jerrican of water, wash utensils, and even wash her own clothes. She is more active, plays with other children, and has made many friends. She happily runs to the HLC every day to play and learn.
Letasi is now in Primary One at Ombati Primary School, and shares, “I am good now. I enjoy school, especially learning numbers and drawing pictures.”
Although she is in Primary One, she still returns to the HLC, as her mother shares, “Letasi enjoyed the HLC so much, and still comes back for play and porridge. At the HLC, she feels safe. At school, pupils sometimes bully her, so she runs back here for comfort.”
During Letasi’s follow-up review in August 2025, doctors also examined and took measurements of her left leg to prepare a suitable assistive device to support her walking and further strengthen her leg.
“I will not stop thanking LABE and our donors for what they have done for my daughter and me,” Ajio says. “I am delighted with the changes I have seen. Because of this project, my child can now live almost a normal life and even assist with household chores. I am now relieved and able to join other women in the community and church activities.”
Read Trinity’s rehabilitation story HERE.