Success Story
A Youth Leader’s Advocacy Transforms Maria’s Life
Simon Kikulira
Through the EYE Universal SRHR Project, youth leaders are becoming powerful advocates for inclusion and community change. Simon Kikulira demonstrated this when he learned about Maria, a girl with a disability who had been unable to leave her home for two years after her tricycle broke down. Simon documented her situation and shared it on social media, attracting the attention of Katalemwa Cheshire Home. After assessing Maria’s needs, the organization provided her with a specially adapted tricycle within a month. Today, Maria has regained her mobility and confidence demonstrating how youth-led advocacy, empathy, and social accountability can transform lives.
Under the EYE Universal SRHR Project, young people are being equipped to become champions of change within their communities.
One of the youth leaders “Simon Kikulira” mentored through the project shared an inspiring act of compassion and advocacy. During a community burial in Bugulu Village, Bwiiza, the youth leader met a man who shared the story of Maria, a girl living with a disability who had been confined to her home for two years after her old tricycle broke down.
Deeply moved, the youth leader visited Maria’s home, documented her situation, and shared her story on social media. The post gained widespread attention and reached Katalemwa Cheshire Home, an organization that supports children with disabilities. Katalemwa’s team contacted the youth leader, visited the community to assess Maria’s needs, and within a month, delivered a new tricycle tailored to her condition.
Today, Maria has regained her mobility and confidence, and her story stands as a testament to the power of youth voices and youth led advocacy. Through the EYE Universal SRHR Project, youth leaders are not only promoting access to SRHR information and services but also championing inclusivity, empathy, and social accountability in their communities.