According to recent studies, the status of girl-child education and persons with disabilities (PWDs) is quite concerning. Despite significant progress in getting girls into school, over 130 million girls are still out of school, according to UNESCO.

Yet, research has shown that educating women has a multiplier in the development equation, with positive effects reverberating throughout the family and society. Indeed, as the African proverb says, when you educate a man, you educate one person. When you educate a woman, you are educating a nation. We couldn’t agree more.

Today, as the world celebrates International Youth Day (IYD), we share the inspiring story of Valerie, a Form 3 high school student at inABLE Computer-Lab-for-the-Blind. Valerie’s story is a great example of this year’s International Youth Day theme, Youth Engagement for Global Action.

Valerie was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was pressing on her optic nerves, affecting her vision. She was scheduled for a five-hour brain surgery three weeks after the diagnosis. While the tumor was successfully removed, Valerie lost sight in her right eye and was left with low vision in her left. Despite her vision impairment, Valerie considers herself a living miracle. She was the only survivor of the five people scheduled for similar surgeries that day.

Nonetheless, Valerie struggled to accept her new disability at first and felt sad for a few months afterwards. Thankfully, productive counseling sessions assisted in changing her mindset to a more optimistic attitude toward education and future goals. She enrolled in the Nico Hauser School for the Visually Impaired, where she regained her independence and learned valuable computer skills through the inABLE’ Computer Schools for the Blind program.

Valerie is now a third-year student at Kenyatta University studying Gender and Development Studies. As a student leader and mentor, she enjoys inspiring young people. Her leadership abilities landed her the position of Congressperson for Special Needs Students. She enjoys giving back to the community and is currently a volunteer at the Do It With Boldness (DIWB) organization and an Ambassador at the Gifted Community Centre.