Iam Ideu Immaculate, from the Eastern part of Uganda(Soroti)
I was affected with Epilepsy in 1994 and i later realised it in 1997.
I was advised to go and have some medical check ups at the phychiatric.
After some time the branch was opened in my home district
And i became a member of the association and later a volunteer

ESAU Vision:
Uganda society in which Epilepsy is understood and PWE are treated with dignity, so that they can exercise their full portials and participate in all developmental progress.

Mission:
To become a leading organization that empowers PWE to participate in development process, through advocacy, networking and creating awareness.

ESAU is aiming at bringing Epilepsy out of the shadows.

ESAU has branches in 15 districts of Uganda ie Soroti, Mbarara, Jinja, Apac, Moyo, Luwero, Mpigi, Kasese, Ntungamo, Masaka, Arua, Masindi, Kabale, Tororo, Hoima.

Objectives:
1. To encourage PWE to carry out income generating activities
2. To educate the parents, teachers and the community about Epilepsy
3. To empower PWE to participate in community work
4. To encourage them form groups where by they (PWE) can easily be counselled
5. To encourage PWE them work together as one to achieve a better understanding of epilepsy

The activities of ESAU are:
a. Clear information about epilepsy is passed on to the community through bronchures, radio talkshows, Television etc
b. Training of the clients, parents and relatives about epilepsy
c. Lobbying and advocacy on the rights of Persons living with epilepsy
d. Sensitizating the community about the causes of epilepsy
e. Capacity building through formation of support groups
f. Holding district workshops
g. Encourage formation of support groups
h Training of district leaders on leadership skills and financial management

Challenges faced by PWE are:
1. Negligence, some parents consider PWE as a burden to them
2. Stigmatization from the society
3. Iliterace because of coming from poor families
4. Lack of medication /personnel in most health centres
5. Isolation from the family as some people consider epilepsy to be contagious
6. Cultural beliefs from different tribes

Personnal achievements from Egmont Adult School:
1. Computer skills
2. Democracy and human rights
3. Organization development
4. Sewing
5. Leadership skills
6. Accounting and Fundraising
7. Disability Sports
8. Denmark for beginners
9. AIDS and Gender

Immaculate at Egmont Højskolen in Denmark


Globaliners'from Africa at Egmont Højskolen in 2007