Lives we have touched (and which have touched us)
Cedric
This is Cedric, a young man with an intellectual disability, and our colleague at SpecialSkills. He’s not just a cleaner – he’s the best you’ll ever meet. His work ethic, his dedication, and his spirit light up our workplace.
Cedric is fulfilling his full potential today because his mother believed in him and fought tirelessly for him to have chances, opportunities, and a place where he could grow. That belief made all the difference.
We make sure he receives a good salary, because everyone deserves the dignity of decent work and fair pay. It’s more than just inclusion; it’s about recognizing the value of every person. Cedric is living proof of that, and we’re proud to stand by him.
Muhire
Muhire (in the back of the picture) is an extraordinary young man with an intellectual disability who has turned determination into action.
Through the support of SpecialSkills, both Muhire and his school experienced an important shift.
SpecialSkills supported the school to move beyond a focus on academics and instead focus on developing the whole child —recognizing each learner’s potential and nurturing life, social, academic and vocational skills. This approach helped learners with intellectual disabilities, like Muhire, to shape a more independent future.
With this supportive environment, Muhire grew into a confident and capable individual. His journey has taken him beyond his community—he has traveled, shared his story, and become a powerful self-advocate for children and young people with disabilities. Currently, he is a valued staff member in the school where he was a student for so many years..
Muhire’s courage and dedication inspire everyone around him. His story shows that with the right support, opportunities, and belief in their abilities young people with disabilities can lead, advocate, and make a real difference in the world.
Zawadi
When Zawadi first stepped into her classroom at Centre Komera, near Lake Kivu, she felt completely unprepared. She had studied geography, not special education, and suddenly found herself facing a room full of children with disabilities. They stared at her… and she stared back, unsure of what to do or how to reach them. That moment could have been overwhelming—but it became the beginning of something extraordinary.
With the training and support from SpecialSkills, Zawadi discovered not just methods and curriculum, but understanding, patience, and hope. She learned how to connect with her students, how to guide them, and how to celebrate their small victories.
Slowly, fear turned into confidence, uncertainty into joy. Today, Zawadi beams as she watches her students grow, learn, and thrive—each day a reminder of the difference one teacher can make when given the right support.
Zawadi’s story is one of courage, transformation, and the profound power of believing in children who have so much to give.
