Abigail Awini, aged 12 is physically challenged and lives in Damamteeg in the Garu District, one of the Project location Districts. She became parallel at birth after a prolonged labour experienced by her mother. Abigail lost her father whilst she was about 4years old and shortly afterwards her mother left for another marriage. She was left with her grandmother, a poor peasant farmer and a widow who took the responsibility of a caregiver. She was identified during a community survey and was registered by the CBR programme for intervention. Abigail’s grand mum/caregiver received an advice from CBR-Garu to enroll her into school which she did. Unable to move independently like her peers to school, Abigail’s caregiver took it upon herself to support her to school and back by carrying her at her back on daily basis. This was not however sustainable as Abigail grew in size. Her caregiver apparently could no longer carry her to school and she became a dropout.

However, through the support of PWS&D, CBR-Garu came to the aid of Abigail with a tricycle to enhance her mobility. She was trained on how to drive the tricycle and she is now able to move independently. The CBR programme through the Inclusive Education Officer took steps to reintegrate Abigail into school. She now drives her tricycle to school and back. She is well integrated and learning along with her peers.

Abigail’s Caregiver/Grand Mum had this to say during a monitoring visit: “What a great relief, I can’t thank the CBR-Garu programme and PWS&D enough. The life of my granddaughter has changed. She used to live in isolation and feeling sad. I could not afford to help her with any means of transport to enable her move and associate with her peers in the community. Today, through the CBR Project Initiative she got this tricycle which has turned her life around. I am so grateful for this timely intervention”