She is Steviane, she is almost ten years old, and since September she has been part of our school, Maison de la Réconciliation. Her story speaks of fragility, but also of a quiet strength that surprises us every day.
When she arrived, she had never been to school before: no institution had accepted her because of her cognitive and physical difficulties.
She walks with difficulty, speaks little, and her language — even in the local tongue, Sango — is hard to understand. She didn’t know French and had no idea what it meant to sit in a classroom, next to other children, to share a notebook or a smile.
But, as always, we chose not to close the door.
At Maison de la Réconciliation, we welcome all those children who are rejected elsewhere, because we believe that everyone has the right to a place where they can be seen, accepted, and loved.
So we welcomed her too — with her shyness and sweetness — and placed her in the second grade. The decision was not random: it was the only class with an available seat, but also the one where younger children could offer her a more caring and less competitive environment.
The first days were a discovery for everyone.
Steviane smiled at every small gesture, simply happy to be there — to have a school bag, a desk, classmates. She struggles to hold a piece of chalk in her hand, yet she never stops trying. Every effort, every word spoken, every drawing completed is a small victory. For us, the real goal is to see her taking part, surrounded by other children, immersed in a world that finally includes her.
Her teacher, Steve, welcomed her with touching dedication. He prepared special exercises for her, adapted to her abilities, and managed to create a climate of trust and serenity in the classroom. Her classmates help her, wait for her, encourage her. A beautiful harmony has formed — a small example of the inclusive school we dream of building every day.
Stevian is working very hard. Every morning she arrives with a smile, ready to learn — and that, in itself, is already a great achievement.
Her progress may be slow, but we are sure that school will make a difference for her, as it does for so many other children who finally find a place where they feel accepted and valued.
We will continue to accompany her step by step, with the same trust and hope that guided us from the beginning.
And, as always, we will keep you updated on her progress!