Story
12 February 2026
Where every child can learn and dream
Read the original story hereAs we begin a new year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you. This January, as the world marks the International Day of Education, we are reminded that progress for children depends on timely support. Because of you, children are growing, learning and imagining a future full of possibilities. You are a Wira untuk Kanak-kanak and children in Malaysia and across the world are moving forward because of you.I would like to share a story from a recent school visit that shows what your support made possible, and why your continued support is needed now. My name is Azlina Kamal, and I lead Education programmes at UNICEF Malaysia. Recently, I visited a school in Serendah, Selangor. The teachers there have been trained through our Future Skills for All (FS4A) programme to better support children with disabilities, so every child can learn with confidence and dignity. Launched in 2020 with the Ministry of Education and our partners, FS4A helps make learning more relevant and inclusive for every child. Teachers are equipped with practical strategies, technology and creative teaching approaches, so classrooms can respond to different learning needs, including those of deaf/blind students.Because of you, classrooms like these are turning into spaces where every child belongs. At this school, I met Husna, fondly known as Una, a bright 12-year-old girl who is deaf. When I first saw her, she was quietly sketching scenes from her daily life and imagination.
Una was born with hearing loss and lives with her father and siblings. Without early access to sign language, school was often overwhelming. Lessons moved quickly and instructions were hard to follow. Learning, which should empower a child, too often left her feeling unseen and left behind.Sadly, Una’s experience is still the reality for many children today. Across Malaysia, around 4,000 deaf children in government schools face daily barriers to learning. These range from limited access to trained teachers and inclusive learning tools to stigma and gaps in digital access.For many, opportunities to build problem-solving, digital skills and creative thinking remain out of reach.This is why action matters now.
Because of Wira Untuk Kanak-Kanak like you, Una’s story has begun to change.Step into Una’s world. Watch how the right support is giving Una the confidence to learn, connect with others, and begin dreaming about her future. Through FS4A, Una’s teacher, Cikgu Muhammad Amsyar, learned how to use technology in simple, creative ways to support visual learning. One of these ideas became the “Totbin”, a hands-on learning tool that helps Una “see” numbers and connect Maths with meaning. "Una has fun using this tool. Her learning is improving quickly, and she’s excited to explore new skills, even coding."Cikgu AmsyarFor the first time, learning made sense.Today, Una is more confident. She participates actively in class and is proud of what she can do.But while Una is moving forward, many other children are still waiting. “Now I understand numbers. When I count, I can see them.”Husna Since 2020, FS4A has expanded across Malaysia, supporting nearly 59,000 teachers and students with and without disabilities in 3,600 schools. Teachers now have access to more than 120 practical strategies that make learning more engaging and inclusive.Yet demand continues to outpace resources.Globally, there are an estimated 240 million children with disabilities. Like Una, they need access to quality education to develop their skills and realize their full potential. Your support today can help make this possible.In 2025 alone, 6.9 million children globally, including children with disabilities, accessed education through UNICEF’s support. In 2026, we aim to reach 22.9 million children, including those affected by poverty, displacement, conflict and disability are not left behind. In Malaysia, RM1.38 million is needed to strengthen quality and inclusive education so that children like Una can learn in safe, inclusive classrooms that recognize her potential. Without timely support, children risk falling further behind, not because they cannot learn, but because learning environments are not yet ready for them.Your gift today can help train more teachers, adapt more learning materials and ensure classrooms are safe, supportive spaces where children like Una can keep moving forward.This is a moment where your action can make a real difference.Will you take action now and continue walking this journey with us?On behalf of children who hope, who dream, and who are eager to learn, I thank you for being a Wira untuk Kanak-kanak.for every child, quality education 💙With heartfelt gratitude,Azlina Kamal
Education Specialist and Lead
Una was born with hearing loss and lives with her father and siblings. Without early access to sign language, school was often overwhelming. Lessons moved quickly and instructions were hard to follow. Learning, which should empower a child, too often left her feeling unseen and left behind.Sadly, Una’s experience is still the reality for many children today. Across Malaysia, around 4,000 deaf children in government schools face daily barriers to learning. These range from limited access to trained teachers and inclusive learning tools to stigma and gaps in digital access.For many, opportunities to build problem-solving, digital skills and creative thinking remain out of reach.This is why action matters now.
Because of Wira Untuk Kanak-Kanak like you, Una’s story has begun to change.Step into Una’s world. Watch how the right support is giving Una the confidence to learn, connect with others, and begin dreaming about her future. Through FS4A, Una’s teacher, Cikgu Muhammad Amsyar, learned how to use technology in simple, creative ways to support visual learning. One of these ideas became the “Totbin”, a hands-on learning tool that helps Una “see” numbers and connect Maths with meaning. "Una has fun using this tool. Her learning is improving quickly, and she’s excited to explore new skills, even coding."Cikgu AmsyarFor the first time, learning made sense.Today, Una is more confident. She participates actively in class and is proud of what she can do.But while Una is moving forward, many other children are still waiting. “Now I understand numbers. When I count, I can see them.”Husna Since 2020, FS4A has expanded across Malaysia, supporting nearly 59,000 teachers and students with and without disabilities in 3,600 schools. Teachers now have access to more than 120 practical strategies that make learning more engaging and inclusive.Yet demand continues to outpace resources.Globally, there are an estimated 240 million children with disabilities. Like Una, they need access to quality education to develop their skills and realize their full potential. Your support today can help make this possible.In 2025 alone, 6.9 million children globally, including children with disabilities, accessed education through UNICEF’s support. In 2026, we aim to reach 22.9 million children, including those affected by poverty, displacement, conflict and disability are not left behind. In Malaysia, RM1.38 million is needed to strengthen quality and inclusive education so that children like Una can learn in safe, inclusive classrooms that recognize her potential. Without timely support, children risk falling further behind, not because they cannot learn, but because learning environments are not yet ready for them.Your gift today can help train more teachers, adapt more learning materials and ensure classrooms are safe, supportive spaces where children like Una can keep moving forward.This is a moment where your action can make a real difference.Will you take action now and continue walking this journey with us?On behalf of children who hope, who dream, and who are eager to learn, I thank you for being a Wira untuk Kanak-kanak.for every child, quality education 💙With heartfelt gratitude,Azlina Kamal
Education Specialist and Lead
