“I always had the painful experience of seeing the other children go to school with their rucksacks,” says 14-year-old Zénabou. “It was tormenting becuase even though I was burning with a desire to find out what happened in the schools where these children went every morning, I realised very early on that it was a system that wasn’t made for me because I was different.”

For many children with disabilities, educational opportunities have been limited, impacting their prospects. However, in the Central African Republic (CAR), a new initiative is changing this narrative. Children like Zénabou are now benefiting from adapted support and educational opportunities through an inclusive education pilot program.

The program delivers crucial resources such as learning materials, mobility aids, and specialized classes in Braille and sign language. It also establishes community support networks for families and integrates children with disabilities into local schools.

A New Beginning

Zénabou is now a student in a classroom, surrounded by her peers. To her and other children with disabilities, this is a significant turning point.

Before enrolling in school, Zénabou spent her days at home, assisting with household tasks. Now, she has access to education and a chance to learn and grow.

“Going to school was something I’d never hoped for,” she signs. “the day I went to school for the first time, I suddenly realised that I wasn’t the only one in this situation. Seeing more than 30 deaf people in the same place was amazing!”

Thanks to a multi-year investment, specialized classes for deaf and visually impaired children are being held within mainstream primary schools in Bambari, CAR. Children like Zénabou are learning to read, write, and count, and also learning Braille or sign language, skills that open up new possibilities.

Before attending school, Zénabou struggled to communicate. Her parents, who are illiterate, had limited expectations for her future. However, access to education and support has changed everything.

“My daughter Zénabou is now able to assert herself as a person, despite the communication barriers caused by the fact that she is deaf,”

“My daughter Zénabou is now able to assert herself as a person, despite the communication barriers caused by the fact that she is deaf,” says Zénabou’s Father. “I’m now optimistic about Zénabou’s future and I know she’s going to succeed!”

Challenges to Education in CAR

The Central African Republic presents significant challenges for children due to ongoing conflict and instability, which disrupt development and endanger children and adolescents. Years of violence have weakened essential services, limiting access to healthcare, livelihoods, and education.

The education system faces considerable difficulties, especially for children with disabilities. Conflict has damaged infrastructure, leaving a million children and adolescents out of school. Children with disabilities encounter additional obstacles due to stigma and limited specialized support.

Addressing these issues requires rebuilding educational infrastructure,promoting inclusive teaching methods,and combating societal stigma to ensure that all children have access to quality education.