From Isolation to Belonging: Andrea and Rafael's Story

When Rafael was born with a neurodisability, his mother Andrea, just 20 years old, knew she would do whatever it took to support him. After leaving an abusive husband, she became the sole provider for her family, but felt deeply isolated in her community, where people were fearful of both her and Rafael.

When a community health worker from Adara's Hospital to Home programme approached her about Baby Ubuntu, she was sceptical.

"I had gone to many places and lost interest in any kind of medication and help for my child. I thought this was another scam, people who only want to use us with our children. But I decided to try, and to my surprise, it was the opposite. I saw different parents having children with the same condition as mine."

"This eased so much of my agony, realising that I wasn't alone in the world. The facilitators were so hospitable that I felt comfortable opening up and sharing my life experience."

As Andrea kept attending group sessions, her life began to change. People started interacting freely with Rafael. She found herself laughing and talking with others again. The more she practised what she was learning, the more Rafael progressed, he began to sit up and reach developmental milestones.

"These days, I always walk with my child's head up. I am now Rafael's advocate and this is all because of Baby Ubuntu."