LEO’s club of Kitebi SS extends compassion to Kampala School of physically hand-capped

In a spirit of compassion, leadership and community service, the members of the Kitebi Secondary School Leos Club yesterday visited Kampala School for the Handicapped found in Kampala district, donating essential items and cash worth over Shs2 million to support learners with disabilities at the sister school.

The outreach, driven by the generosity of students, teachers and the school administration, underscored Kitebi Secondary School’s commitment to nurturing learners who not only excel academically, but also embrace empathy, volunteerism and service to their communities.

During the visit, the school donated items included foodstuffs, sanitary pads, clothing, shoes, toys and other basic necessities aimed at improving the welfare of the children.

The patron of the Kitebi Secondary School Leo’s Club, Mr Reagan Lutaaya, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Head Teacher, Hajj Muhammed Kamulegeya, for embracing the initiative and allowing it to grow into a school-wide community service programme.

He noted that the Head Teacher’s encouragement, financial support and belief in the vision inspires both staff and students to participate wholeheartedly in such activities.

“I would like to sincerely thank Hajj Kamulegeya for accepting this idea and approving it for the school community. Your financial support and encouragement motivate us to make this outreach a reality,” Mr Lutaaya said.

He also commended the teachers who generously contributed both money and material items, saying their kindness demonstrated the school’s shared commitment to serving vulnerable communities.

According to Mr Lutaaya, he described the Leo’s Club as a youth leadership and service programme under Lions Clubs International, with the name LEO representing the club’s three guiding principles, which are Leadership, Experience and Opportunity.

He noted that at Kitebi Secondary School, the club provides learners with opportunities to develop leadership skills through community service and volunteerism. Members strengthen their communication, teamwork, self-awareness and social responsibility while gaining practical experience that prepares them to serve their families, workplaces and communities.

It also exposes students to accomplished professionals, including doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and business leaders, giving them opportunities to learn from experienced mentors, build valuable networks and explore future career paths.

“Many members graduate with practical skills, confidence and exposure that enhance their employability and personal growth.” He added

Why gratitude and empathy are important

According to Mr Lutaaya, many learners at Kampala School for the Handicapped and else-where live with multiple disabilities and require continuous care, specialised support and access to essential services. He observed that despite the efforts of schools and well-wishers, much more support is still needed. to improve their quality of life.

He encouraged the students to appreciate the abilities they have and to use them to improve the lives of others.

“Many of these children face challenges that most of us cannot imagine. Those of us who have all our senses should never take our abilities for granted. Instead, we should use them to serve humanity and make a positive difference wherever we go,” he said.

He appealed to more students to join service clubs and participate in volunteer activities, emphasising that even small acts of kindness can transform lives and restore hope to those in need.

How extending support transforms lives

While receiving the donations, Mwesigwa, the Director of Kampala School for the Handicapped expressed profound gratitude to Kitebi Secondary School for the generous support and for dedicating time to interact with the learners.

She noted that while the donated items would greatly benefit the children, the visit itself had an even greater impact.

“The time you have spent with our learners today is just as valuable as the donations you have brought. Our children deserve to be loved, appreciated and visited. Your presence reminds them that they are important members of society and that they are not forgotten,” he said.

She thanked the school administration, teachers and students for demonstrating genuine compassion and called upon other schools and well-wishers to emulate the example set by Kitebi Secondary School.

Another Guest Speaker encourages the learners from the hosting school to dream big despite their physical challenges.

These were reminded them that disability should never define their future and were encouraged to work hard in school, while believing in their ability to become professionals, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, engineers and leaders capable of transforming society.

The message resonated strongly with the learners, who actively participated in discussions and shared their own aspirations for the future.

Inspiring dreams beyond disability

Beyond donation, the visit focused on building friendships and creating lasting memories with the learners.

Members of the Leos Club joined the children in a school clean-up exercise and also spending time playing games together. These were involved in  games such as rope skipping,  playing football and other ball games, competing in hula hoop activities and shared memorable moments through music and dance.

The interaction gave the children an opportunity to socialise freely while allowing the visiting students to better understand the importance of inclusion, empathy and acceptance.

The teams later gathered for a group photo session, capturing memories of a day filled with joy, compassion and meaningful connections.

Building compassionate leaders

The outreach reaffirmed Kitebi Secondary School’s belief that education extends beyond the classroom. Through the Leos Club, learners are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the values of leadership, empathy, volunteerism and active citizenship.

By serving vulnerable communities, students gain practical leadership experience while learning that true success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the positive impact they make in the lives of others.

The visit to Kampala School for the Handicapped stands as another milestone in Kitebi Secondary School’s mission of developing responsible, compassionate and service-oriented young leaders who are committed to building a more inclusive and caring society.