For many more inspiring stories and exceptional results achieved in Ethiopia through the We are Able! program, watch their documentary.

In many parts of the world, disability is often misunderstood, leading to social exclusion and limited opportunities. However, through the We are Able! project, individuals like Maourdi, Safia, and Nejuma are defying the odds, transforming their lives, and advocating for a more inclusive society.

Maourdi’s journey is one of resilience and determination. From an early age, she faced significant challenges as a visually impaired child in a community that believed children with disabilities were uneducable. Despite these societal barriers, Maourdi was determined to pursue her education. With the support of those close to her, she not only advanced academically but also became a beacon of hope for others in similar situations.

Today, Maourdi works at Haromaya University as a gender expert, where she continues her advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. Alongside her fellow members of an organization for people with disabilities, she raises awareness about the unique challenges they face. They lobby the government and other agencies for more inclusiveness and are actively creating opportunities for the economic empowerment of people with disabilities. “Even though more children with disabilities are in school today than ever before,” Maourdi says, “most schools are still under-resourced, and there is also a severe shortage of qualified teachers and educational materials for children with special needs.”

Safia’s story is one of perseverance and self-empowerment. As a coordinator for the centers for children with disabilities at Diredawa’s Bureau of Labor and Social Affairs, she has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, particularly those of short stature. For years, there was no association specifically for people of short stature in her area, limiting their ability to advocate for their rights and entitlements.

Safia’s experience searching for a job reflects the discrimination people with disabilities often face. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she was turned away from a job solely based on her appearance. “They told me at the time that they didn’t have a job for me, which saddened me for a long time,” Safia recalls. However, this setback fueled her resolve to create her own opportunities. She started her own business tutoring children, turning her experience of exclusion into one of empowerment.

Nejuma, a mother of four from Harar, has dedicated herself to caring for her 15-year-old son, Yahye, who has an intellectual disability. Before becoming involved with the We are Able! project, Nejuma struggled with how best to support her son. However, after participating in various awareness-raising seminars and training sessions, she gained the knowledge and skills needed to better care for him.

The training provided through the project not only empowered Nejuma but also motivated her to send Yahye to a nearby inclusive school. “With the knowledge I gained from the training, I was motivated to send my child to school and care for him more, and I have seen a significant improvement in his condition since then,” Nejuma shares. Her involvement in the organization for people with disabilities has also helped her support other families facing similar challenges.

Despite their different circumstances, Maourdi, Safia, and Nejuma share a common thread of resilience and a commitment to advocacy. Each of them has faced significant barriers due to their own or their loved ones’ disabilities, yet they have turned these challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.

Their stories highlight the importance of inclusive education, the need for greater awareness and resources for people with disabilities, and the power of self-advocacy. Through their efforts, they are not only changing their own lives but also paving the way for a more inclusive society in Ethiopia. The We are Able! project has played a crucial role in supporting these individuals, demonstrating that with the right resources and support, people with disabilities can lead successful, fulfilling lives.