Success masks barriers that one had to overcome in order to make it.
When one suceeds people tend to pay attention to what he/she went through to make it to where they are.
Not different from any other scholar, Niwareeba Rodgers says that as a special needs person one needs perseverance and patience in their academic journey.
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Born and raised in Rujumbura sub county Rukungiri District, Niwareeba says that he lost his left arm in an unclear situation.
“I am not sure how I lost my arm but someone who was my attendant in the hospital told me that it was epilepsy, ” he said.
Niwareeba narrates that while in primary two class, he left school and went home feeling sleepy. He then decided to take a nap on a bench in the kitchen only for him to wakeup in the hospital.
His left side of the body was terribly burnt and the burn scars on his cheek explain it all.
“When I got burnt I was referred to Nyakibale Hospital where the doctors found out that my left elbow was badly injured by the fire and they had no option but to cut off my left arm,” Niwareeba narrates.
This didn’t discourage him from keeping his dream alive. He says because of this disability he lost friends and it was also hard for him to make new friends.
“Many people will not want to associate with you because you are disabled though there are some who will still love you the way you are,” He said.
As a special needs person, Niwareeba says that for one to make it they have to first be mentally positive to themselves.
“Ignore what people say about you because people will always try to put you down. Always be hardworking and do the best you can,” he advised.
In his secondary school education, he says that science subjects especially the practicals gave him hard time to do.
“Physics, Chemistry and Biology practicals were somehow challenging to me, this is because they need the active use of two arms,” he said.
However this didn’t limit his dreams as he even went on to offer physics at A-level where he passed very well and joined Kyambogo University for a Barchelors Degree of Science in Education with Econimics majoring in Mathematics and Economics.
He also adds that during school practice doing craft work, learning aids and files was also a challenge he had to overcome.
“Getting used to learners was also another difficult thing as some of them even mocked me. I didn’t care about that because I have lived with this disability and I know how to handle such people,” he narrated.
Niwareeba asked the media and various organizations that coordinate with persons with disabilities (PWDs) to create awareness among the public and not just come out when one has achieved something.
“There are many PWDs in the Villages that need mentoring but because no one is there to give them hope, they give up on their dreams,” Niwareba said.
He also adds that as a country, we need sensitization and awareness such that every person in the community is aware of PWDs and how to support them.
Niwareeba on his graduation day, Courtesy Photo
Niwareeba recently graduated from Kyambogo University with a Barchelors Degree of Science in Education with Econimics and he hopes to go for Masters if an opportunity comes in.
