Rebecca Is Differently Able!

Rebecca 16 years old, lives in Mahama camp with her parents and 4 siblings. She has physical disability (amputated right arm) caused by accident. Arriving in Mahama refugee camp, Rebecca could not freely participate in education, recreational and learning activities due to her disability and the stigma that comes with it.  Her peers looked at her differently and presumed her helpless, as a result she was always the last one picked in team activities.  

Reaching every child in Rwanda means all children, regardless of their ability, enjoy equal opportunities and participation without discrimination to reach their full potential. Part of our interventions in the camp is to cascade knowledge on disability, increase the capacity and confidence of our staff and volunteers and drive the work towards a more disability inclusive organization and programs.

Through our awareness raising campaign on the importance of Child and Youth Friendly Spaces(C/YFS) and the inclusion of people with disability. Children with disability, like Rebecca have been encouraged to attend the nearest C/YFS to their home. Rebecca has been able to attend and participate in C/YFS recreational and education activities and sports activities such as taekwondo, where she holds a green belt. She also receives psychosocial support improving her self esteem and is now able to confidently interact with other children her age.