Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities and parents with disability in parenting skills through digital in Wakiso

Over the past two months, 61 parents in Wakiso District received 2,196 short and practical parenting tips via SMS delivered in both English and Luganda. This simple yet powerful approach ensured that parents with disabilities and those caring for children with disabilities stayed connected and supported, even in areas with limited internet and smartphones. Relatedly, to the research is also reaching out to 60 parents with smartphones with PfR content on WhatsApp which is shared 3 times a week. 

The staff (facilitators) use part of the time to engage with the online participants in discussions about the subject matter. Preliminary findings from both SMS and WhatsApp delivery indicated that there is a more active participation and reception of the WhatsApp content compared to the SMS summaries. Overall, the content is been helpful to causing reflection on how parents raise their children with disabilities. “I used to be stressed and I am glad to connect with other parents who have children with disabilities. Thank you so much for the content we get every week. This content has helped to love my children better and enjoy my parenting role”, highlighted by one of the caregivers on the WhatsApp group. 

Racheal Birimuye, the project officer on this work, explains that the intervention has reached families using basic buttoned phones, breaking down technological and geographic barriers and keeping guidance consistent. The SMS and WhatsApp model proved that low-cost technology can make a big difference, promoting inclusivity and helping parents strengthen their skills while improving the well-being of their children.

By combining accessibility, clarity, and regular engagement, the research team has set a new standard for reaching underserved families in rural communities.