#Education Cannot Wait #UNICEF #Braille #Central African Republic #Bangui

A Bright Future for Urielle

In the heart of the Central African Republic, a remarkable young woman named Urielle is proving that determination can overcome even the toughest of challenges. At just 20 years old, this visually impaired girl is not only engaged in her studies but is also aspiring to be a journalist and a Paralympic athlete.

Urielle lost her sight at the tender age of three, but that has never deterred her spirit. Thanks to the unwavering support from her parents and teachers, she has learned to navigate her world with confidence and resilience. Her educational journey began when she enrolled in a UNICEF-supported Training Centre for Children with Vision Impairments located in Bangui, her hometown.

This center, funded by Education Cannot Wait, is one of three dedicated facilities aiming to provide visually impaired children in the Central African Republic with access to quality education. Here, Urielle and her peers learn the essential skills of reading and writing in Braille, often for the first time in their lives. These centers not only teach academic basics but also equip students to eventually transition into regular schools, ensuring their inclusion in the broader educational landscape.

Every morning, a specially adapted tuk-tuk arrives at Urielle's home to take her to the training center. Classes are taught by both visually impaired and sighted instructors, utilizing educational materials designed for Braille. Urielle attests that she has discovered a new passion for social studies, a subject that allows her to explore how people interact and address challenges worldwide. "I love sharing stories about social issues. The more I learn, the richer the stories in my mind become," she says enthusiastically.

Despite her success, Urielle's path has not been without obstacles. In a society that often stigmatizes individuals with disabilities, she has faced myriad challenges, including discouragement from neighbors and even some family members. "Some people told me I was useless and meant for household chores rather than school. It was tough, but my parents taught me to rise above such negativity," she remembers.

With an unyielding spirit, Urielle realized that education could open doors for her future. "The more I learn, the more I can envision my own future," she adds, expressing her ambition to become a journalist. In addition to her academic endeavors, the center also offers vocational training courses that empower students with practical skills, some of which have led to job opportunities, including in public service.

Life in the Central African Republic can be exceptionally harsh for children. Ongoing conflict and natural disasters have resulted in a significant decline in educational resources and access. For children with disabilities like Urielle, the challenges are even more pronounced. With societal stigmas still prevalent, many families often hide their disabled children, depriving them of peer interactions and educational opportunities. However, Urielle's parents recognized their daughter's potential and ensured she received the support she required for her growth.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as a global fund for education in emergencies, has provided crucial assistance in the region since 2017. They have worked alongside partners like UNICEF to improve education quality in safe learning environments while boosting national education systems and supporting teachers. Their focus also targets young girls and children with disabilities to ensure no child is left behind.

Today, as she thrives in her studies, Urielle harbors aspirations that span beyond classrooms. She is training three times a week as a long-distance runner, dreaming of competing in the Paralympics. "Telling stories is my passion, and I envision having my own radio show one day!" she smiles, her vision clear and ambitions high. With education, resources, and support, Urielle's journey showcases the incredible potential inherent in all children, ensuring they can turn their dreams into reality.