Yunusu’s shoes
Meet Yunusu, who has lived with the effects of Polio since the age of 5. Now his future is bright, with the opportunity to use new skills to run his own business and train others.
Yunusu is 32 years old and lives in Nsenge, a village near Jinja. He is a lovely, cheerful and dignified young man, with an uplifting smile. He lives in very humble circumstances with his wider family. At about the age of five Yunusu collapsed, suffering from polio. From that point he completely lost the use of his legs. He needs bespoke built-up shoes and metal callipers. This is particularly challenging in the rough terrain of village life.
Several years ago, as part of UgandAid’s work in Nsenge, we built a new home for Yunusu and his family. A couple of years later we brought a wheelchair from the UK for him to use. A team member noticed the poor state of Yunusu’s shoes and asked whether we could pay for replacement shoes for him. This was agreed, and arrangements made to accompany him to Katalemwa in Kampala, where this type of bespoke shoe is made.
When Yunusu went in his eyes lit up as he saw the shoes being made. He explained that he’d always wanted to learn this skill, and had already been learning shoe repair skills at home. To cut a long story short Yunusu was enrolled at Katalemwa for a twelve-month residential training course in January 2017.
We approached Nile Vocational Institute about building a workshop on their campus, on the perimeter of the site, which gives an interface with the road. NVI shared with us that they had been considering adding shoe repair courses to their portfolio! In February 2019, the workshop was ready and the team painted it inside and out, equipped it with work bench, sewing machine, tools and materials. It was officially opened 24th February with Yunusu’s very frail parents in attendance.
Yunus reports that he is getting plenty of business and is working six days a week. He is now able to support his parents financially form his income .