On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Save the Children highlighted the story of João (14) in Mozambique, who faced increased vulnerability and limited access to education after Cyclone Chido destroyed his home and school materials. Through a coordinated effort with partners, an adapted wheelchair was provided, which transformed his daily life by restoring his independence and dignity, allowing him to return to school with ambitions in community protection. This success exemplifies Save the Children's unwavering commitment to disability inclusion as a core pillar of their Mozambique 2025-2027 Strategy, ensuring equitable access to vital programs for all vulnerable children in crisis settings, with funding from the European Union (ECHO).
Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the strength and resilience of young project participants like João* (14) in Mecufi, Mozambique.
After Cyclone Chido destroyed their home, João*, who has a congenital physical disability, faced even greater barriers. Losing his school materials and safe shelter increased his vulnerability and severely limited his access to education and social interaction.
Our response, however, was anchored in disability inclusion. Through a coordinated effort with our partners, Humanity & Inclusion, Progresso, and The Mentor Initiative, we ensured João* received a tailor-made, adapted wheelchair. This single piece of support has transformed his daily life, restoring his independence and dignity.
Today, João* is back in the classroom and speaks of his ambition to work in community protection.
This story highlights our unwavering commitment to inclusion. Disability Inclusion is a core pillar of our Mozambique 2025-2027 Strategy, ensuring that all children, especially those facing intersectional vulnerabilities in crisis settings, have equitable access to life-saving and life-changing programmes.
Quote from Ilaria, Country Director
"On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to reiterate that for Save the Children, inclusion is not an afterthought—it is a non-negotiable right. João’s resilience, supported by our partners exemplifies our commitment. Our Mozambique 2025-2027 Strategy ensures that every programme, whether in disaster response or long-term development, reaches the most marginalized children first. We are committed to coordinated, integrated action to ensure no child is left behind."
We are committed to coordinated, inclusive action that leaves no child behind. We thank the European Union, through ECHO, for funding this vital work.
.jpg-ch11029326.jpg/73naue0e10i1hara1h200cs4x3dvtmo1.jpg?g=0.5x0.33&w=392&h=261&format=webp&itok=pKI98qJ2 "Statement Card")