FAST annual report 2026

FAITH AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH THERAPY

LOCATION: ST. PHILIPS HEALTH CENTRE III

Website: www.fastug.org

Email: info@fastug.org

P.O. BOX 1037 UGANDA

CONTACT: O778769115, 0393254402,0708014854

ANNUAL PROGRAM REPORT 2025

Project: Speech & Language TherapyReporting Period: January – December 2025Submitted by: Ojok Isaac, Speech & Language TherapistLocation: Northern Uganda

1. Overall Program Goal

To improve communication, ear, and hearing health among children and vulnerable populations in Northern Uganda through early identification, assessment, rehabilitation, and caregiver empowerment.

2. Key Objectives (2025)

1. Increase access to speech, language, and audiology services.

2. Strengthen early identification at school and community level.

3. Build caregiver and teacher capacity.

4. Promote ear and hearing health awareness.

5. Strengthen referral and follow-up systems.

3. Geographic Coverage

• Gulu City (Clinic Services)

• Gulu District (Credo & JIT Schools)

• Omoro District (Dog Tochi Community)

• Partner schools and local communities

4. Program Implementation Summary

A. Speech & Language Services

Direct Beneficiaries

Speech & Language Assessments

    116

Individual Therapy

    44

Group Therapy

    18

Parent Support Groups

    17 caregivers

Key Outcome:Improved speech clarity, expressive language development, feeding skills, and caregiver confidence.

B. Ear & Hearing Services

Activity

           Direct Beneficiaries

World Hearing Day (JIT)

           231

School Outreach (Credo)

           492

Community Outreach (Dog Tochi)

           153

Clinic Ear/Hearing Screening

           117

5. Total Reach (2025)

• 1,159 Direct Beneficiaries

• 1,915 Indirect Beneficiaries

Total Community Impact: 3,074 individuals

6. Success Stories

1. Apiyo Hellena – Hearing Restored, Confidence Regained

Apiyo Hellena, an 11-year-old pupil at Credo Primary School, had struggled with hearing difficulties for over a year. During a school outreach, FAST conducted an ear assessment and safely removed impacted earwax.

Immediately after the procedure, she reported clear hearing and demonstrated improved classroom participation. Teachers noted better response to instructions and increased engagement.

This case highlights how simple, timely ear care services delivered within schools can prevent long-term academic and social challenges.

2. Olara – From Silence to Connection

Olara, a young boy of 4 years now, with cerebral palsy, initially communicated using only one word. Through structured therapy, feeding and nutrition support, and intensive caregiver coaching, he gradually developed expressive language skills.

By the end of the year, Olara could speak more than 10 words, use signs meaningfully, and engage socially. He transitioned into mainstream kindergarten with improved confidence and participation.

This story demonstrates the life-changing impact of early rehabilitation and empowered caregivers.

7. Major Achievements

• 56 referrals made for specialized care.

• Increased caregiver involvement in therapy.

• Strengthened partnerships with schools and health facilities.

• Early detection of hearing loss, speech delays, and feeding disorders.

• Improved clinical documentation and structured therapy planning.

8. Key Challenges

• Reduced funding affecting program scale.

• Abrupt MoU changes from local partner.

• High caseload with limited staff.

• Transport barriers for rural outreach.

• Weak referral tracking system.

9. Recommendations for 2026

1. Strengthen MEAL and referral tracking systems

2. Expand caregiver coaching models.  Especially in the Parent support group. Create parents’ support group WhatsApp for easily communication and coordination.

3. Diversify funding sources. Draft and summit more proposals to potential funders.

4. Increase staffing and transport capacity.

5. Do fund raising program to mobilized funds to scale the project.

6. Perform well in the dysphagia and nutrition project, using small grant ($2500) given by ICATCH. This will increase our chances of winning a bigger grant in the future.

7. Introduced built dysphagia and communication therapy project and implement the target goal for this year 2026 with support from directors and board.

10. Conclusion

Despite financial and logistical constraints, FAST delivered measurable and meaningful impact in 2025. Through integrated speech, language, and audiology services, the program reached 3,074 individuals directly and indirectly.

The success stories of Apiyo Hellena and Olara reflect the transformative power of early detection, structured rehabilitation, and caregiver empowerment in Northern Uganda.

Below are photos showing different activities being carried out by FAST Team over the year 2026