The Story of Nabucha Natembeya – a final light at the end of the tunnel

• Barbara Messner
• 8. November 2025
• Allgemein
• 77

Born in a village with a physical disability, Esther overcomes all the difficulties of survival and strives to do her best and develop herself, even if she is not as good as other normal children. She comes from a family that lives from hand to mouth and knows only bitter poverty.  Nevertheless, Esther managed to complete primary and secondary school, which are actually intended for normal children. The challenges of getting around in a wheelchair in the field, in the canteen, at home and at school were not bad enough. Even the constant stares and prejudices because Esther was not a normal child could not break her desire to study hard. The girl took her 12th grade exams in 2020 and qualified to attend a technical or vocational college.

One morning during a visit by a KIDEP employee to Chwele, our project partner noticed Esther in a home.  Together with MOYO, it was decided to include the girl in the MOYO programme. This was the beginning of a journey that would empower Esther.

The scarcity of universities or institutions for people with special needs and the fees required were the most difficult issues to resolve. Faced with the financial burden and the complex situation, Esther gave up. During our first visit, she said, ‘There are no schools for people like us, so why should I bother when I’ve been at home for five years without success?’

Her mother also believed that Esther should attend a facility that would help her realise her dream: ‘I don’t think she’ll get a chance. I’ve been here with her since she was in Year 12, and all the facilities I’ve visited didn’t want to take her in, but we don’t have any facilities for her special needs. Besides, I don’t have the money for her to attend a special school.’

Thanks to the efforts of KIDEP in collaboration with the MOYO Girls Programme, we knocked on the doors of the Nyabondo School for the Disabled, which is run by Catholic nuns, and Esther was joyfully accepted. The first few days seemed boring, but by the end of the first semester, the joy and happiness were already evident in her demeanour, the skills she had acquired and the glow on her face. She is aiming for a craft certificate in fashion and design at the school.

We at KIDEP and our donors from the MOYO Girls Programme would like to express our sincere gratitude for your contribution to empowering these girls and helping them realise their dreams.