A Voice For the Voiceless

The Advocacy Project helps marginalized communities to tell their story, claim their rights and produce social change. We recruit graduate students to volunteer as Peace Fellows with partners.

The Impact of Service



"Speaking with locals and living in a country is the best way to learn about the real lives of citizens, not just the stories in the mainstream media. I will be more critical of what I read as a result of this experience. I also feel even more grateful for my education, and I feel a stronger responsibility to assist others who do not have resources or access to opportunities in their communities."

Maria Skouras (New York University) volunteered in 2011 as a Peace Fellow for eHomemakers in Malaysia.

For more 2011 feedback click here.

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Partner Campaigns > Gulu Disabled Per... > Survivors > Simon Ongom

Simon Ongom
Simon is currently the chairman of the Gulu Disabled Persons Union. Simon has been physically disabled since the age of five.

Simon cites the war as eroding the cultural norms of the Ugandan people. The communities no longer care for persons with disabilities. PWDs are more dependent than before, but they are not being taken care of by families, the government, or non-governmental organizations. The war has made everyone poor. Because of the relative peace, people are going back home. However, persons with disabilities are staying behind.

The government and NGOs need to focus specifically on the needs of PWDs. PWDs will not be able to return home until they have the support they require.

Simon still sees a future of challenges and problems for disabled persons. “PWDs are still neglected and maternalized in all aspects of life. What pains me most is that even parents of PWDs have not realized a child with a disability has potential just like other children. When I see that PWDs do not access services just like other citizens I see there is still a lot to do.”

Simon has been an active advocate since 1998 when he was elected treasurer of the Gulu Disabled Persons Union. As chairman he has succeeded in incorporating PWD interests in the budget of development plans for some governmental units. He works to reverse the suffering PWDs endure both as children and adults. His commitment to disability rights is unending, “Not until PWDs have equal opportunities, I will not relax.”

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