A harvest of learning - Rigat's Story

Through the RAPID (Rehabilitation and Prevention Initiative against Disability) project in Adama, Ethiopia, the future is growing brighter for teens with disabilities.

Rigat (right) with her father, who had taken the day off work to help her pick aubergines in the school garden. Photo: CBM.

Rigat Adomer, 14, remembers the day she started school.

"I was scared. The children near my home would laugh at me, use bad words and even punch me. I didn't want this to happen at school."

She was born with a spinal problem that has left her body twisted and small. But because the school she attends has an inclusive programme for children with disabilities, she's delighted to be attending this centre of excellence and benchmark for other schools in the region.

"Today, I enjoy learning and would like to stay in school," she told us.

She enjoys the produce from the school vegetable garden which she tends with the help of 11 other students with disabilities, including those who are blind, experience mobility problems or have cerebral palsy.

"I feel safe here and enjoy it." 

But she knows that she can't stay forever.

"I know that I have to leave, I want to be a teacher".

Further Reading

CBM UK-supported projects in Ethiopia