Supported by HI and APHMOTO, Gawalé went to school and became a garment maker

Gawalé’s story

When she was just one month old, Gawalé Boukari contracted an illness that left her blind. Thanks to the support of APHMOTO (Association des personnes handicapées motivées de Tône), HI's partner in the inclusive education and vocational training project, she was able to enroll in school at the age of six.

APHMOTO organizes Braille training for teachers. Although this greatly facilitated Gawalé's schooling, she remembers that when her Braille-trained teacher was absent, she couldn't attend lessons with the others. Moreover, her classmates used to make fun of her and didn't let her play with them. Despite all this, Gawalé has no regrets about going to school; it enabled her to discover the profession she would later pursue: garment making.

"I'm very proud of myself because at the end of my training, I got my CFA, the apprenticeship completion certificate, whereas other people who are not disabled didn't get it.”

In 5 years' time, Gawalé hopes to be running her own workshop and employing a lot of apprentices to whom she can pass on her knowledge.

"School helps you to become someone in later life"

For Gawalé, it is important to break down prejudices about people with disabilities and help the community to respond in a more caring way. Above all, it is essential that people with disabilities also have access to education.

"If I hadn't gone to school, I wouldn't be the person I am today.” 

Improving the inclusion of children with disabilities in schools involves raising students’ awareness of disability and training teachers to welcome and support children with disabilities in their classrooms.