Children with disabilities have the same rights as every other child, including the right to equal opportunities. No matter their story, every child has every right to thrive.
Pascaline, 13, struggled with feeling included at school, participating in different activities and communicating with her friends due to hearing difficulties. Last year, following a diagnosis of moderate to severe hearing loss, she tested her hearing aids for the first time. Now, she can communicate more easily and has big dreams for her country, Rwanda.
“My dream is to become a minister. The Prime Minister!”
“Before I received the hearing aids, I couldn’t play with other kids. But now, we can play together because I can hear!”
Watch Pascaline’s full interview to see how she is doing today:
Alisa and Artem, 9-year-old twins, have had their hopes for a brighter tomorrow renewed after receiving hearing aids while staying in a temporary shelter in western Ukraine. Despite enduring the turmoil of war, having to flee their home and watching their school get destroyed, the twins can now dream of hearing the soothing sound of the sea, which holds so much hope for them.
“It is all about making their dreams come true.”
“My children can feel safe, live with the whole family, communicate properly with peers or with anybody in a store, where they can talk without the help of an interpreter – all these things are available thanks to better hearing and improved speaking.”
Watch their heartwarming story:
Hanaa, 7, received crucial support and rehabilitation after a bomb left her paralyzed in war-torn Syria. Hanaa’s story reflects the harsh reality endured by many children who have only known war. Despite injury, trauma, and displacement, her resilience prevails, and she now has two wishes – to help other children with disabilities and to live in peace.
“My dream is to become a physiotherapist to help children like me.”
Fatima, 18, loves playing basketball and captained her wheelchair racing team until2021, when Afghan girls were banned from sports. This did not discourage her from taking her future in her own hands. As a champion for causes like education and equity, she is now determined to pass a university exam that will enable her to empower others, especially girls with disabilities.
“When I grow up I would like to become a journalist to advocate for children’s rights!”
“After I learned how to play basketball, people told me I was a role model for others, especially children with disabilities. When I heard that, I felt so proud, and I continued playing.”
