Nogning Armelle turns personal struggle Into support for children’s education

While living with mobility impairment, she has turned her own experience of overcoming barriers to education into a commitment to helping vulnerable children return to school.

Through the Community Creative Centre for Women and Girls with Disabilities (CCCWGD), where she is founder and lead, Nogning Armelle has been supporting children with disabilities and children of parents with disabilities with school materials as they prepare for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Her intervention goes beyond the distribution of books, bags and other school supplies. Some beneficiaries receive full scholarships to help them remain in school and complete their education.

According to Nogning Armelle, the decision is rooted in her own journey.

“My commitment to supporting children’s education is deeply personal. As a woman with a disability who self-sponsored herself through secondary education, I understand firsthand the value of education and the determination required to overcome barriers to learning,” she said.

She said the experience convinced her that financial hardship should not be allowed to interrupt a child's education.

The CCCWGD initiative therefore targets children whose education may be affected by disability or the economic circumstances of their families. Nogning Armelle said sustained assistance is necessary because providing school materials at the start of an academic year does not by itself guarantee that a child will remain in school.

Her approach reflects the broader principle set out in Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognises the right of persons with disabilities to education and calls for an inclusive education system at all levels.

“I want to see them perform well in school so that they can pursue their dreams and build better futures for themselves and their communities,” Nogning Armelle told Hilltopvoices Web.

“We want these children to understand that their circumstances today should not define their future.”

Nogning Armelle's work with children is part of a wider record of activity despite her mobility impairment. She is Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Coordinating Unit of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD), while also running Armelle,s Products and Designs.

Her enterprise includes fashion and textile work featuring Toghu-inspired embroidery and other designs, as well as pastry production. 

Toghu, also known as Atoghu, is a traditional Grassfields textile associated particularly with the North-West and West regions of Cameroon. It is recognisable for its dark velvet base and brightly coloured embroidery, and has evolved from ceremonial and royal dress into contemporary fashion.

Nogning Armelle has also taken part in conferences outside Cameroon, extending her engagement with issues affecting persons with disabilities beyond the local community.

According to her, however, the current back-to-school intervention comes down to something more immediate which is giving children a fair chance to learn.

“Behind every school bag, book, uniform or other learning material donated is a child with a dream and a family hoping for a better future,” she said.

“When we support a child's education, we are not simply giving out materials. We are helping to protect a dream and create an opportunity.”

She is calling on individuals, organisations, institutions and other partners to support inclusive education and help ensure that disability, poverty or family circumstances do not force children out of school.

“Education is a right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue their dreams with dignity,” she said.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web

Tel: +237 694 71 85 77