11/06/2026
She Always Was.
Being born with a disability in Muhongoza, a once peaceful village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, meant one thing for Feza: challenges. Her path to becoming a teacher blocked by her community, a community convinced children would not respect her.
“People believed children would mock a teacher with a disability,” Feza recalls. “I felt rejected and useless, even though I knew I was capable.”
But those challenges turned to opportunity when Feza was chosen to participate in a tailoring and sewing program as part of World Vision’s Safe Spaces for Learning project, supported by the Australian Government through the ANCP. Joined by 13 other people with disabilities it would not be long until Feza discovered a path to not only learning new skills but to reclaiming her dignity.
Each morning as she left for training, neighbours watched curiously, “Where are you going, Feza?” they would ask. Proudly she’d reply, “I’m attending sewing training. Soon I’ll be making your clothes.” The words of her instructor staying with her: “A physical disability is never a limitation. You are valuable ...”
Sadly, conflict later disrupted the program, delaying the distribution of sewing machines, but Feza refused to give up. She continues to work, is an active member of a village savings group and is now planning to buy her own sewing machine.
“My dream is to open a workshop and create jobs for others who are excluded,” she says. Regaining her confidence, Feza is now a proud, determined and valuable member of her community. She always was.
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Humanitarian Partnership Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality
