Mubarek Hussein, a 9-years old boy in Kombolcha, was paralyzed from the legs down as a result of birth-related complications.
Mubarak's mother left him because of his condition and his father was not able to support him due to his economic problem He later re-married and Mubarek had to stay with his grandmother and then with his aunt.
Needless to say, Mubarek faced immense psychological trauma due to the above reasons.
But one thing that hurt Mubarak, even more, was the fact that he was not able to attend a school like his peers.
Now, through a CSSP2 project intervention entitled, ‘’Advance the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities through Active Participation of the Community,’’ Cheshire Foundation carried out an assessment in Kombolcha and met Mubarek. Through this project he was provided with psychological support and treatment which mended his issues. He was also provided with a wheelchair which decreased his mobility problems and allowed him to attend school.
Mubarek now believes that he will be able to realise his own vision.
CSSP2 is a capacity development program designed to support Ethiopia’s civil society capacity to “contribute to inclusive and accountable governance; and an improved environment for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ethiopians”.
The first phase of the programme ran for more than 6 years and supported more than 600 CSOs in Ethiopia. It was lauded for saving the CSO sector and giving voice to the voiceless.
The Civil Society Support Programme 2 (CSSP2) is funded by the people of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden and Norway. The programme is managed by the British Council, in consortium with Pact UK and Social Development Direct.