Racheal Kalinaki
Racheal is tirelessly working to end discrimination against people with disabilities in her community, after her firsthand experience of exclusion from education and opportunities. Despite barriers, she has pursued a career in medicine and surgery and uses this experience to advocate for equal access to healthcare, nutrition, and education for all, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Racheal has taken action for Theirworld’s #ActForEarlyYears campaign with articles on inclusive early years care published in local news outlets.
“Looking back on my journey as a student with a disability, I’m reminded of the challenges I faced in school, which others still face, and the power of resilience, advocacy and inclusive education.
Throughout my entire education I faced discrimination from my teachers and fellow students because of my disability, from imitating how I walked to excluding me from school activities. I felt uncomfortable and developed low self-esteem. The only weapon I had in my mind was studying hard to fulfil my dream of becoming a medical doctor – which I am today!
The discrimination almost derailed my dream. But I didn’t give up. I started advocating for my rights and the education rights of students with disabilities. I secured leadership positions in schools and my university. It was hard to change people’s attitudes, but I persisted.
It really hurts that students with disabilities face these challenges when they deserve access to quality education. My experience is no different to other students with disabilities; discrimination in schools is their “daily bread”.
Working on this story reminds me that a lot has to be done! Having only two inclusive schools in central Uganda means that many students with disabilities aren’t getting an opportunity to enrol in school. I make a commitment to advocate for equality in education.”