Context & Challenge
Amid years of conflict and displacement that have affected the lives of thousands of children and deprived many of their right to education and stability, the story of Hiba, a twelve-year-old girl, stands out as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Hiba comes from a low-income family and lives with a visual impairment, having lost one of her eyes and replaced it with a cosmetic prosthetic eye. While such circumstances could have negatively affected her self-confidence and educational journey, the opportunity to access supportive educational services gave her renewed hope and opened the door to a brighter future.
Program Response
When she enrolled in the Accelerated Learning Program, Hiba demonstrated a strong passion for learning and a genuine desire to build a better future. However, she needed a safe and supportive educational environment that would address her psychological and health needs while strengthening her confidence in her abilities. Through an integrated package of services, including accelerated education, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), individual follow-up sessions, and awareness sessions for her family, she received the support necessary both at school and at home.
Inclusive Learning Environment
Throughout her participation in the program, teachers and facilitators worked to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encouraged her active participation in classroom activities, enabled her to express her ideas confidently, and helped her build positive relationships with her peers. Psychosocial support sessions also played a significant role in enhancing her sense of safety and belonging, while alleviating some of the psychological impacts caused by years of conflict and displacement.
Progress & Results
Over time, the impact of this support became evident in various aspects of her life. Her academic performance improved significantly, achieving a “Very Good” grade and successfully completing the fifth grade, becoming one of the diligent and high-achieving students in her class. Her self-confidence also grew remarkably, and she became more engaged and interactive within a school environment characterized by respect, acceptance, and freedom from discrimination or bullying
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Confidence & Empowerment
Hiba came to realize that disability does not define a person’s abilities or limit their aspirations. Rather, determination, combined with the right support, can open new doors to success. The continuous encouragement she received from her teachers, the support of her family, and her active engagement in educational and psychosocial activities all played a key role in strengthening this belief and motivating her to continue learning.
Next Chapter
Today, Hiba is preparing to transition to formal schooling at the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year, where she will continue her education in the sixth grade. She moves forward with greater confidence, renewed hope, and a strong belief in her ability to achieve her dreams and build a brighter future.
Voices of Change
Hiba says:
“I learned that my disability does not prevent me from succeeding. I now feel that school is the place where I can learn and achieve my dreams.”
One of her family members adds:
“The program has transformed our daughter’s life. Her focus is no longer limited to studying; she has become more confident, happier, and more engaged with those around her. We now have great hope that she will continue her education and build a better future.”
Impact & Learning
Although Hiba still requires regular medical follow-up to maintain the health of her eye, her journey demonstrates that providing inclusive education, integrated psychosocial support, and active family engagement can make a real difference in the lives of children, enabling them to overcome challenges and reclaim their right to education and meaningful participation in society.
Hiba’s story remains a powerful testament to the fact that investing in children and ensuring their access to safe, inclusive, and quality education not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to building more resilient communities capable of recovery and hope for the future