“I used to fear speaking up in class, even when I knew the answer. Now, thanks to the life skill session I have been attending I feel confident enough to speak out and share my thoughts with no fear,” says Urji Hamsalu, 11-year-old grade five student at Hagamsa Bal’a Primary School in West Wollega zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Urji Hamsalu, an 11-year-old grade five student, is learning not only the traditional subjects of school but also life skills that are shaping the person she is becoming—and the person she hopes to be.
Urji attending class
Born and raised in Hagamsa Bal’a, Urji’s dream of becoming a medical doctor drives her to work hard every day. But it’s not just her academic ambitions that are shaping her future. The life skills program she is part of has had a profound impact on her, empowering her to face challenges with strength, and helping her develop the courage to actively participate in both school and life.
Before she started learning about life skills, Urji faced challenges that many students understand well: fear and hesitation in the classroom. “I used to be scared to answer questions or engage in class activities, even when I knew the answer,” she says with a quiet honesty. “I felt like I would make a mistake and everyone would laugh at me.”
But everything changed when Urji attended life skills sessions, which is part of ECHO-funded UNICEF project Imagine1day has been implementing. The lessons she learned went beyond academic subjects. They taught her how to communicate more effectively, how to build confidence, and how to treat others with respect—no matter their age or background. “I now know how to speak clearly, and I’m not afraid to participate,” Urji explains. “Before, I kept quiet, but now I feel that my voice matters.”
Urji’s transformation is not just personal but also rooted in a deeper sense of community. One key lesson in her life skills program was the importance of helping others, especially those in need or marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities. “We learned that helping others, especially people who are vulnerable, is very important,” she says. “I want to make a difference in the world, and I believe that starts with showing kindness and respect.” She speaks passionately about how these values—respect, kindness, and communication—will guide her as she continues her education and, one day, as she becomes a doctor. “Being a doctor means more than just treating patients; it’s about understanding them and helping them feel respected and cared for,” Urji reflects thoughtfully.
Her teachers have noticed her growth, too. “Urji has become much more confident,” says her teacher, Mrs. Amina Adnan. “She now participates in discussions and is a leader in encouraging her classmates to share their ideas. Her progress has been truly inspiring.” As Urji continues her education, she is not only preparing to become a medical doctor but also learning to lead with kindness, compassion, and confidence. Her life skills are shaping Urji into a person who will one day make a meaningful impact on the world beyond helping her succeed in the classroom. Looking ahead, Urji’s message is clear: “I believe anyone can change. If I can overcome my fear and speak confidently today, anyone can learn to be brave and stand up for themselves too. Life skills are not just for school—they are for life.”