Girl with disability spends six years under care of fellow students

Vivian Mutyaba's story is one of extraordinary determination, fueled by the unwavering support of her friends and teachers at Tororo Girls' School in Uganda.

Despite being a student with a disability in a school not equipped for special needs, Vivian has not only survived but thrived for the past six years.

Vivian's journey began in 2018 when she arrived at Tororo Girls' School in a wheelchair. The school administration, unaware of her disability, welcomed her after she impressed with an aggregate score of 11 in her Primary Leaving Exams. However, the reality of attending a mainstream school with limited accessibility quickly emerged.

Undeterred, Vivian's classmates stepped in. Every day, they became her companions, carrying her to classes, bathing her, and washing her clothes. This outpouring of love and support, as Vivian herself acknowledges, has been the cornerstone of her experience at Tororo Girls'.

"Life has been great," Vivian says. "My friends have been looking after me right from my O-level to now. No one orders them to do what they do to me, but it's because of love for me."

This love is reciprocated. Vivian's classmates, Olivia Ashanti and Joan Amusugu, are inspired by her zest for life and dedication to her studies. Olivia credits Vivian's "social capital" for her success, while Joan is amazed by Vivian's love for reading, a trait that motivates Joan to push herself academically.

Vivian's teachers are equally impressed. Physics teacher Ivan Wanyama recalls her unexpected win in the school's furniture prefect election. Godfrey Okirole, Vivian's class teacher, highlights her determination, stating, "When it comes to classwork, when you give her a task and she fails, she feels bad and she will get to you for help."

Academically, Vivian has excelled. Despite her parents' wishes for her to attend a special needs school, Vivian refused, determined to prove herself in a mainstream environment.

Currently enrolled in the Physics, Economics, and Mathematics (PEM) combination, Vivian is one of the top performers in her class.

The school administration has also played a crucial role in supporting Vivian. Beatrice Akware, the Headmistress, emphasizes the efforts made to ensure Vivian feels at home.

Lunch is provided by her friends, and special dormitory arrangements have been made for her comfort.

Vivian's story is a beacon of hope, not just for students with disabilities but for everyone facing challenges.

As she prepares for her final exams, Vivian uses this platform to urge parents of children with disabilities to prioritize education. "Any parent with a disabled child," she implores, "know that it's not the end. It's only God who knows the reason why that child is like that. But that doesn't mean that education is done, no, they need a life ahead."

Vivian Mutyaba's story is a testament to the transformative power of friendship, resilience, and a supportive environment.

It is a story that reminds us that with determination and compassion, even the most significant obstacles can be overcome.