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Chance for Childhood is an award-winning charity working in Africa to support the most vulnerable children, such as street children, disabled children, children affected by conflict and kids behind bars. Our vision is of a world where no child is forgotten.

Children with disabilities, especially girls, are three times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse. Deep-rooted traditions lead to acceptance of gender-based violence, stigma and negative attitudes and lead to these children being considered cursed or ‘dumb’. Because of this, children with disabilities are much more likely to miss out on school.

Disability should never be a barrier to education. From running a specialist school for deaf children to training teachers and learning support assistants in mainstream schools, we are working to ensure that every child is included.

With the help of Radio 4 listeners, Chance for Childhood is helping children like 11-year-old Maurice. He was born deaf and in his rural Rwandan community faced harassment and abuse. When he tried to attend a state school, the teachers didn’t accept him. Our specialist deaf school in the region gave him the opportunity to learn and have the childhood he deserves.