Each September, there’s a tinge of excitement in the air—new books, new friends, and a whole new school year. For students around the world, it’s a time to dream bigger, to embrace opportunities, and to imagine all that the future can hold. It’s a new beginning, brimming with untapped potential. 

Angelique, a secondary student from Rubavu, Rwanda, knows all about the power of unlocked potential!

A Childhood of Feeling Different

Angelique was born with albinism, a condition that also affects her vision. Growing up, she loved playing with other children. But as she got older, she began to notice how different she was. Her light skin and hair set her apart, and in her community, few children had ever seen someone with albinism before. “She didn’t feel seen among her peers; instead, she felt strange,” her father, Samuel, recalled.

In Rwanda—and around the world—it’s common for children with disabilities to face barriers to education. Though progress is being made, many schools still lack the resources or training to support children like Angelique. Without the necessary accommodations for her vision impairment, Angelique was nervous about school. How would she learn if she couldn’t see the blackboard? Would her classmates accept her?

The Power of a Welcoming Classroom

To her surprise, Angelique’s first day at school was different than she had feared. At a Wellspring-trained school, Angelique’s teacher greeted her with open arms. From the start, her teacher made sure she felt welcomed and supported in the classroom. “The teacher took me into the classroom and asked the students to take care of me, to treat me as you would treat yourself, and to take me as a sister,” Angelique shared.

This moment of kindness made a world of difference. At first, her classmates were unsure how to interact with her, but slowly they began to see Angelique as just another student. “All the children were surprised by me,” she said, “but as the days went by, we became friends. Today, there is no difference between me and my classmates.”

Angelique’s teacher’s training had prepared her to create an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of ability, could participate fully. She was committed to unlocking potential in every child. “When there is a child with a disability in the classroom, the first benefit is that the child develops confidence, to feel that he or she is valued,” her teacher shared. “The other children learn to see that child as just like them. The whole mindset of the classroom changes.”

What had once felt like an uphill battle soon became a journey of acceptance and belonging for Angelique. For the first time, she experienced the joy of being part of a community that valued her.

From Student to Mentor

Once Angelique felt accepted, she was able to focus on her studies, and her true potential began to emerge. In time, Angelique didn’t just catch up with her classmates—she began to excel and became one of the top performers in her class. 

As Angelique’s grades grew, so did her confidence. She began helping others, tutoring fellow students who also faced challenges. “I would come to school early, even before the teacher arrived, to explain difficult subjects to other students,” she shared proudly. Angelique’s journey has come full circle—where once she needed support, she now provides it to others.

Talk about living into her potential! 

Samuel, who had championed Angelique’s education from the start, shared his proud heart for his daughter. “She is a smart kid, and I am proud to be her father.”

A Brighter Future for All

Angelique’s story reminds us that every child has incredible potential, waiting to be unlocked. Thanks to your support, students like Angelique can overcome the barriers in their way and step into a brighter future, all while holding their hands out to help others. By believing in the power of education, you’re helping create lasting change—not only for individual students, but for entire communities.

As we look ahead to this new school year, we celebrate the fresh opportunities it brings. And with your continued support, the ripple effect of unlocking potential will continue to grow. From Angelique to the students she has helped, your generosity creates a chain of opportunity for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for making stories like hers possible.

You might remember Angelique from our film, For Every Child. You can hear her story in her own words here.

* Names are pseudonyms