Restoring Hope with Inclusion!
Meselech Jatano has found hope again after losing her sight and being forced to drop out of school 6 years ago. Meselech was one of the top students in her 8th-grade class when she lost her sight suddenly in the middle of taking national exams. This traumatizing event left Meselech feeling hopeless and kept her from the one thing she loved the most, her education. She was forced to drop out of school.
Her family tried to find medical solutions, but she did not regain her sight. The schools near her did not offer any programs for visually impaired students. Meselech began to lose hope.
About two years ago, we began an inclusive education program that included instruction and resources for students with visual impairment. Even though 4 years had passed, there was one teacher who never forgot Meselech. He recognized that she was a student with tremendous potential. He tracked her down and encouraged her to enroll in the program.
Meselech returned to school. She received support that included study materials in braille and a recorder. She worked hard and once again began to excel in school. Since returning to school, Meselech has passed the national exam and has consistently been one of the highest-ranking students, winning prizes for her performance.
Her message for WEEMA and you, the donors, who make this work possible is:
“You are doing an amazing job, and please continue supporting the children who are at home because of their disabilities. You continue creating awareness for the community to not discriminate against me and others like me who are living with a disability.”