Child Care Foundation

Every smile has a story to tell. Even with little access to education and healthcare, these children still smile with hope and courage. Behind these smiles is a strong spirit,  a child who wants to learn, to feel safe, and to dream of a better future, even when life has been unkind.

Achild’s future is often shaped by the smallest moment

From the very first breath, many children with disabilities begin life in a world that has already turned its back on them. In too many local communities, a child born with a disability is not greeted with love and celebration but with fear, shame and rejection. Parents, unable to bear the stigma, sometimes disown their own children. These innocent souls are labeled as curses, believed to be punishment for sins they never committed. Some are left to suffer without care, wandering alone while the world looks away.

This Christmas, we stood with vulnerable women and families sharing not just food, but dignity, love and hope. For many, this simple basket meant relief, reassurance and the reminder that they are not forgotten.

As the days grow longer and resources remain scarce, many mothers carry the weight of depression, fear and survival on their shoulders.

Every day, countless people with disabilities wake up to a life of silent struggle. Moving from one corner of a room to another can be a painful journey. Simple activities going outside, attending school, accessing medical care or even sitting with pride among peers become almost impossible without wheelchairs, crutches or other assistive devices. The absence of these basic supports doesn’t just limit movement; it robs individuals of independence, hope and the dignity they deserve. No one should endure such hardship simply because they lack the equipment that many of us take for granted.

For many women with disabilities pregnancy is a path walked through shadows where every step toward a clinic, every visit for a scan and every moment of care can feel like climbing a mountain no one else sees. They face a world that doubts their strength a healthcare system not built for their needs and the quiet fear of being left behind when it matters most. Yet even in the face of these impossible odds, they carry life forward with unmatched courage, resilience and hope.

At ChildCare Foundation, every smile has a story and every story carries a smile of hope and renewed dignity. We strive to bring joyful moments into the lives of single mothers and widows across our community. Many of these women have endured unimaginable challenges like poverty, loss and limited opportunities. Yet through our economic empowerment programs, they are rebuilding their lives with confidence. The smile you see is not just happiness; it is the reflection of a woman who now has the tools, skills and support to provide for her family and stand tall again

As we celebrate today’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must pause and confront a painful truth that too often remains hidden in silence. While the world marks this day with speeches, hashtags, and well-meaning messages, many persons with disabilities are fighting battles that unfold quietly in the darkest corners of our communities  especially battles of neglect, abuse, abandonment, and deep injustice. For them, the night does not bring rest; it brings fear.

In Uganda today, many women and girls live in the shadows of fear, some in their own homes, some in their communities. For women and girls with disabilities, the risks are even higher: ignored, silenced and often invisible, they face violence that leaves deep scars on their lives. Long-held cultural practices continue to enable abuse, making the fight for safety and dignity more urgent than ever.

In Uganda, children’s futures are shaped by the care, guidance, and support they receive. While some children laugh and thrive, others face challenges due to limited emotional, educational, and financial support—reminding us how vital every act of care and attention can be in shaping a child’s life. Discover how we’re helping children in Eastern Uganda overcome these challenges here and how you can make a difference