Mesert Never Gave Up on Herself or Her Education
[Image description: The photo on the left depicts a young Ethiopian woman sitting and reading an open book in a classroom. She has two crutches leaned up to her arms. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she is wearing a long-sleeved red top. Behind her are tables and chairs.]
We recently met Mesert, a 22-year-old student with a physical disability, at Mudula Primary School. Mesert grew up in Ha-Zembara, a small, rural village, with her parents and five younger siblings. She began attending school in her village at age ten but faced discrimination from the community and had a difficult time getting to school because of the long distance. After a year, she left school and stayed home for seven years. She attempted to return to school at age 17 and was able to reach the 3rd grade, but significant challenges continued.
“The community and my parents didn’t understand my disability. I was always feeling lonely and endured constant discrimination from the school community. The school was almost 2 miles away, which was difficult for me. In 2020, I decided to move to Mudula town to live with my sister.”
In Ethiopia, children with disabilities have been denied their right to an education due to cultural stigma, discrimination, and lack of resources. Mesert’s life changed when she moved to Mudula.
“When I moved to Mudula, I learned the Primary School in town welcomed students with disabilities. I met with Tagesech, the school’s inclusive education center coordinator, and she encouraged me to register. I was so happy to join the school! The teachers and students welcomed me, and I received school supplies as well as new crutches. My teachers are good to me and encourage me to work hard. I am now in the sixth grade and am thankful for my new school community. I have a lot of friends in my class now, and my loneliness is now a forgotten memory. I finally feel hopeful for my future. The school director even advocated with the community to help pay for my rent!”
[Image description: A young Ethiopian woman is standing with the aide of crutches in each hand in front of a school building with wording. She is wearing a long-sleeved red top and blue skirt, and white shoes.]
Mesert is now surrounded by a supportive community that treats her with dignity and continues to advocate for her well-being.
Since 2019, our Inclusive Education Project has focused on creating a more equitable educational environment for students with disabilities through teacher training, educating the public, renovating resource rooms, and providing necessary medical and teaching equipment for students. We have a number of older students, like Mesert, who are now attending school and have support to continue their education. Over the next three years, we will continue to support 8 schools and establish a new Inclusive School in the town of Durame.