In a refugee camp in Ethiopia, 9 year old Amina, who is deaf, sits at home while other children go to school. She used to attend a small learning centre, supported by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), where a teacher was trained in sign language and where Amina could access a hearing device. Then one day, the funding stopped, and the teacher left. Without training or tools, her mother is unable to teach her, and Amina is beginning to forget the signs she once knew. Her world has shrunk – not due to her disability, but due to her support disappearing.
Sadly, Amina’s story is not unique. Around the world, stories like this are happening as a result of global aid cuts. That includes by the UK, following successive cuts to the UK aid budget. While the current economic climate and cost of living crisis is no doubt a critical factor, we cannot abandon our responsibilities as a trusted and reliable global partner.
