2011, Chaeli Mycroft (17), South Africa
Michaela ‘Chaeli’ Mycroft was born in 1994 in Cape Town, South Africa, with cerebral palsy. As a consequence of this, Chaeli can only use her arms and legs to a limited extent. Nevertheless, she keeps looking at all the things she can do and continues to push her boundaries.Chaeli finds it very important that children with disabilities are not excluded or have fewer opportunities than children without disabilities. She prefers to focus on the possibilities rather than the limitations. All children have the right to a full life, a life in which they get the opportunity to maximize their chances and take a suitable place in society.
Chaeli’s Action
At the age of nine, Chaeli, her sister and three friends started a collection campaign with the aim of purchasing a motorized wheelchair. This wheelchair would provide Chaeli with much more freedom and independence. The goal is already achieved within seven weeks, which motivates the girls to continue their actions and provide more children with disabilities with the necessary tools.
The Chaeli Campaign
This fundraiser will be the start of The Chaeli Campaign, with the motto: ‘Hope in Motion’. The Chaeli Campaign has grown into a professional organization with multiple programs to support, empower and mobilize disabled children and their families.
Chaeli’s organization tries to prevent children with disabilities from being stuck at home. ‘Inclusion changes everything’. Chaeli believes it’s important that everyone sees that children with disabilities are also normal children and that people look at what these children can do, instead of what they cannot do.
"My disability was never seen as a problem or a burden by me or those around me. It is a part of my life, and therefore an opportunity to do things differently"
- CHAELI MYCROFT, 2011 WINNER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE
Help young changemakers like Chaeli
Somewhere in the world, a young person is standing up for others. Your support helps their voice reach further and their impact grow.