Unlimited by her physical disability
Watch Fridah claim her own inclusive future through the UNICEF Integrated Adolescent Programming
CHIPATA, Eastern province, Zambia, December 2024 - In the heart of Katete district, Eastern Zambia, 22-year-old Fridah Sakala's determination shines through her gentle smile. She uses a wheelchair since age five due to cerebral malaria complications, Fridah refuses to let her physical disability limit or define her future.
As one of eight children in her family, Fridah's story is one of resilience, hope, and the unwavering support of a mother who chose to challenge societal stigma.
"I've learned to ignore the whispers and laughs from neighbors who suggest keeping Fridah hidden at home," says Milena Banda, Fridah's mother, with quiet determination in her voice.
At Omelo Mumba Primary School, where Fridah is in seventh grade, she has found a supportive environment in a classroom specifically designed for children with disabilities. However, the path to education isn't without its hurdles. Her broken wheelchair makes daily mobility a significant challenge, and the family's financial struggles add another layer of complexity to their situation.
The family's resilience is remarkable. Fridah's father, a tailor, contributes what he can by renting out his sewing machine during periods when illness prevents him from working. Meanwhile, Milena occasionally takes on piece work in neighboring homes, leaving Fridah in the care of her 8-year-old brother, to help cover essential needs including Fridah's blood pressure medication.
Despite these challenges, Fridah's eyes light up when she speaks about her desire to participate in the implementation of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and UNICEF's Integrated Adolescent Programme.
"I want to learn alongside other young girls," she says, expressing her hope for inclusion and connection with peers.
Thanks to the provision of flexible funding, UNICEF Zambia's commitment to disability inclusion is evident in their approach to the Integrated Adolescent Programme being piloted in Katete and Lusaka. This initiative represents a crucial step toward ensuring that young people like Fridah aren't left behind, but rather are embraced as vital participants in community development.
As this pilot phase unfolds, Fridah's story serves as a powerful reminder of why inclusive programming matters. Her journey exemplifies the intersection of disability rights, education, health and the critical need for support systems that recognize and nurture the potential in every child, regardless of their disability or none. UNICEF is actively working with the ministry of Health and that of Community development to ensure the availability of policies, strategies, guidelines and standards for Assistive Technology (AT) in Zambia – these will benefit many adolescents including Fridah.
In Fridah's resilience and her mother's dedication, we see the face of countless families across Zambia who deserve support in their quest for inclusive, adolescent friendly health services in particular and development in general. As UNICEF continues to gather lessons from this pilot phase of the programme, stories like Fridah's will help shape a more inclusive future for all adolescents in Zambia.
