Raphael a 7-year-old from Ilalwansimba village, lost both legs below the knee in a car accident in February 2022. He now lives with his aunt after his parents separated. In March this year, Raphael received a wheelchair from the Just Wheels programme, transforming his life. Previously, he moved around by walking on his knees, but now he can propel himself to school each day. He attends Ilalwansimba Primary School, where he is in Standard One and loves English. His wheelchair has given him independence, enabling him to continue his studies and play freely with other children.​

Rehema, a 12-year-old, lives with her mother in Ikonola village. She is in Standard Four at Ikonola Primary School, where her favourite subject is Swahili. Born with a swelling on her back that affected one leg, Rehema previously used a stick to walk, which often left her exhausted. Her mother sometimes had to carry her all the way to school. Since receiving a wheelchair from Just Wheels, life has changed dramatically with Rehema and her mother. The wheelchair has given Rehema new independence—she now travels to school on her own and is happy and proud that she can move freely and continue with her studies just like other children.

Grace studies at Kazima Secondary school. She is an exceptionally brave and articulate young woman. Before getting her wheelchair she had to rely on her friends to carry her which made getting around extremely difficult, particularly going to the toilet. Grace's wheelchair has a built in tray that means she can study easily as the desks in the classroom were the wrong height for her.  Grace has amazing friends who help her get around school and to go to church. 

Little Omari has captured our hearts at JW. He has the brightest smile despite many battles with his health. Born with spina bifida, Omari is susceptible to pressure sores and it was meeting him that made us realise how important it is to ensure we support families beyond just the donation of a wheelchair. We are so pleased that Omari is back at school and thriving. We will be committed to doing our utmost to ensure he lives a full and happy life. 

When we met Hawa she wasn't in her wheelchair because it was too expensive to transport it, instead her grandmother had carried her. Hawa's grandmother has sole care of her, after her parents abandoned her - which sadly still happens often due to stigma and shame. Hawa remains a very happy and well cared for girl, but her situation is reminder of the complexities faced by carers and by the need for great disability awareness in the wider community. 

Idd is a very engaging young man - no one meets him and isn't totally charmed! He lives with his family but is mostly cared for by his grandmother. He attends Mwenge Primary school and is currently in Standard 4. He dreams of getting to Secondary school and we want to help him get there. When we visited him we learnt that he propels himself 2 km to school each way, taking 2 hours. Idd diligence and determination to succeed in life is so impressive.