"Support and motivation mean everything to me."

Being different often means a continuous struggle to be seen, heard, and accepted, which are fundamental rights of every person. This is a daily burden for many children with special needs or those who simply differ from their peers but have the same desire to make friends, explore the world, and contribute to its development as doctors, teachers, or through other unique roles. Eugen, now 31 years old, was once that child who dreamed of wearing a magical uniform with the power to transform him into a saviour. 

"I aspired to be a policeman, doctor, soldier, or any role that required a uniform to help people," Eugen remembers. However, the speech deficiency caused by a birth complication eroded his confidence and ability to dream. "Parents started questioning why I couldn't speak like other children. Doctors initially thought my speech development was just delayed. When I was four, my parents understood that there was a problem, and we began therapies with various doctors," says Eugen. 

“My parents always tried to support me.” 

His biggest challenge was not the difficulty of speaking and communicating but rather the reactions of other children. "The first incidents started in kindergarten and persisted until third grade. I often responded to insults through violence. Later, it was difficult for me to interact with other adolescents, especially with girls," Eugen shares, convinced that support and motivation are crucial for children, who strive to feel part of this world. "My parents always tried to support me. However, some people did not have the patience to listen to me. I often chose silence, feeling invisible and afraid to express myself. I made a few friends who understood me with just half a word. In university, some classmates supported and motivated me to speak. Support and motivation mean everything to me," Eugen adds. 

"I had an excellent teacher who inspired me to learn." 

Now, as a member of the UNICEF Moldova team, Eugen offers daily support to colleagues facing challenges with information technologies. Reflecting on his journey into IT, he credits a big part of the success to the dedication of his computer science teacher. "At school, an excellent teacher inspired me to learn and love this field. He explained this subject to all students, who understood it regardless of their abilities and preferences. Thanks to him, I am passionate about technology. On the other hand, because of my speech defect, I was treated differently in humanities subjects. Instead of responding like other kids, I wrote, and as a result, I had lower grades. Even if I wanted to recite a poem, the teacher wouldn't allow me not to take up too much time. I learned English by watching cartoons," Eugen explains. 

"I feel free and accepted. At UNICEF, I can be myself." 

Like many young people, he wanted to become financially independent and find a job. However, all his attempts to knock on the doors of companies in various fields had a common end, with employers' response that, "We will get back to you." "For a while, I gave up. One day, someone encouraged me to apply for a position at the Ministry of Education and Research. I did that, and my life has changed. I have developed and even made friends at my jobs," Eugen says, smiling.

Regarding the path to UNICEF, he says it is due to the motivation offered by a person who believed in his power: "A former colleague showed me the position at UNICEF, and I doubted I would meet the requirements. I was thrilled when I received the offer. I like the team and environment most here, like in a family. I feel free and accepted. At UNICEF, I can be myself." 

The mission to work alongside a team focused on improving the lives of children around the world gives him the confidence, once stolen, that all that is most beautiful in his life is yet to come, and his dreams gain the courage to become bigger, stronger, beyond societal stereotypes. "I work to help others fulfil their responsibilities and be as efficient as possible. It motivates me that, in some way, I contribute to creating a better world for every child. The courage and support offered by the team count a lot. I want to reach one of the European countries where I could continue to help people and create a family," says Eugen. 

UNICEF urges authorities and every person to respect children's rights with certain deficiencies to inclusion, freedom, safety, and participation. To date, around 10,700 children with special needs live in the Republic of Moldova and need access to quality health and care services. UNICEF continues to promote the well-being and integration of these children and young people through all its activities and to fulfil its commitment to develop and implement programmes dedicated to the development of education and health systems in over 190 countries and territories. This world belongs to every child, who in a unique way will contribute to the creation of the future.