A portrait of Justine Babirye 24 years old in Uganda standing infront of her vegetable stall. Justine is a former CBM Representative/KiPa child. Her childhood was very difficult because she had to have both her lower legs amputated in an emergency operation as a baby due to an infection. However, the family was never able to afford prostheses. And so Justine crawled on her knees through her childhood. Thanks to the support of CoRSU, a CBM partner hospital, she received prosthetic limbs that transformed her mobility in 2010. Now, 15 years later - she is 24 years old - she proudly sells vegetables from her own stall on a main road near Kampala. At her stand, she offers fresh vegetables every day, including cabbage, carrots, green bananas and much more.

A very special journey – child sponsorship with the Christoffel Blindenmission can change lives

Bensheim. The summer holidays are just around the corner, and for many people, this time of year is associated with travel. Justine (24) from Uganda has had a very different journey: Thanks to sponsors from the Christoffel Blindenmission (CBM), she has literally gotten back on her feet. When she was ten years old, prosthetics redefined her life. Today, the young woman can take care of herself and hopes to soon find happiness in her private life as well.

When 24-year-old Justine talks about her childhood, she speaks quietly: "It was a difficult time for me." Justine was lonely. When the other children were playing, Justine was left out. At the age of two, her legs had to be amputated below the knee. Justine quickly outgrew the first prosthetics she received. Afterward, all she had left were plastic sandals, which she pulled over her knees to avoid too much pain when crawling on the rocky ground.

After her leg amputation, Justine could only crawl. She couldn't play with the other children and was often lonely.

CBM sponsors take responsibility

Her father was a single parent, and her mother died giving birth to her. As a simple construction worker, he didn't earn enough to buy new prosthetics for his daughter. He was desperate when he took Justine to the CoRSU clinic, a CBM-supported orthopedic hospital in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. At the time, the girl was already ten years old.

Thanks to the support of CBM child sponsors, Justine's life began to improve: She received new, custom-fit prostheses, which were continually adjusted and repaired in the following years.

At CBM, sponsorship means accompanying a child on behalf of a loved one. Justine's story is representative of many children in similar situations who receive help. CBM's child sponsorship program has been in existence for 15 years. Justine's life journey is therefore one of many that demonstrate how sponsors enable children to have a better life: whether through eye surgery, physical therapy, or—as in Justine's case—prosthetics.

Independent thanks to leg prostheses

"My life changed dramatically," Justine says with a smile, and lists: "I was able to go to school independently and do everything with my classmates. I could finally stand upright like other people. I could help around the house and in the garden. I was and am so happy."

Thanks to the CBM sponsors, Justine received prosthetics and today, fifteen years later, she not only has her own market stall but is also in the prime of life.

The young woman currently runs a market stall, selling vegetables. She plans to expand her stall and expand her product range soon. But first, she plans to consolidate her personal happiness: She's met a man. Marriage isn't out of the question.

About CBM child sponsorships

For 15 years, a sponsored child has served as a representative for many boys and girls with disabilities supported through CBM's child sponsorship program. Those who become sponsors accompany that child for a total of one year. Texts and images provide information about how the child's life changes thanks to the support. After 12 months, a new sponsored child arrives. However, support for the existing child doesn't stop when needed. And, of course, sponsors can decide for themselves how long they want to help. More at www.cbm.de/kinderpatenschaft

About CBM

The Christoffel Blindenmission (CBM) is one of the world's leading organizations for inclusive development cooperation. It has been supporting people with disabilities in the world's poorest countries for more than 115 years. Together with its local partners, it ensures that the lives of people with disabilities are fundamentally and permanently improved. It provides medical assistance and advocates for equal participation in society. The goal is an inclusive world in which people with and without disabilities can contribute their skills and no one is left behind. In 2023, CBM supported 379 projects in 40 countries. More at www.cbm.de.