In many traditional and tribal African cultures, disability and illnesses are seen as curses, inflicted on those who carry them as punishment for evil acts they supposedly committed in past lives. These fundamental misunderstandings about disabilities and illnesses mean children who are born with them are often outcast from their societies from birth, hidden out of sight so the family isn't shamed by their existence.

Florence Namaganda is a Ugandan physiotherapist who didn't know disabilities existed until she was at medical school. Lea Kilenga is a Kenyan who has sickle cell disease, an autoimmune disease that affects large numbers of Africans but is not well understood, even by patients themselves.

Florence and Lea are both advocating for and creating communities that are fully inclusive of people with disabilities and illnesses. They invite you to join them for a heartwarming fireside chat to increase awareness of the complex issues they're taking on, and the incredible stories of change they've encountered on their journeys so far.

Importantly, they'll discuss what able-bodied people can learn from people with disabilities and illnesses - how they survive in a world that rejects them and how they thrive when they're celebrated for the unique gifts they bring to humanity.

Event attendees will be welcome to join in the discussion, ask Florence and Lea questions, or simply listen and be inspired!

In the meantime, you can learn about Florence and Lea's profound journeys into advocating for some of the world's most marginalised people on Just Peoples' podcast, Why Give a Buck?.

Contact the host of Fireside Chat with Florence Namaganda and Lea Kilenga

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