Highlights (third-quarter 2025 versus third-quarter 2024, unless otherwise noted):

• Record enterprise bookings of $6 billion, up 15 percent; organic bookings up 13 percent
• Bookings strength led by Americas Commercial HVAC, up approximately 30 percent, applied solutions up over 100 percent
• GAAP operating margin up 150 bps, adjusted operating margin* up 170 bps
• GAAP continuing EPS of $3.82; adjusted continuing EPS* of $3.88, up 15 percent
• Enterprise backlog of $7.2 billion, up 7 percent versus year-end 2024

SWORDS, Ireland, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, today reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $3.82 for the third quarter of 2025. Adjusted continuing EPS was $3.88, up 15 percent.

Third-Quarter 2025 Results

Financial Comparisons – Third-Quarter Continuing Operations

“In the third quarter, we delivered 15% adjusted EPS growth and achieved all-time-high quarterly bookings of $6 billion, up 13% organically, despite challenging residential markets,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO, Trane Technologies. “Our commercial HVAC business remains strong, and our project pipeline continues to expand as customers increasingly choose Trane Technologies for the most efficient and sustainable solutions.

“Our performance continues to be led by Americas commercial HVAC, with organic bookings up 30% — driven by more than 100% growth in applied solutions — and organic revenue up low-teens in the quarter.

“With our leading innovation, elevated backlog, and strong financial position, we are well-positioned to continue to deliver differentiated shareholder value over the long term.”

Highlights from the Third Quarter of 2025 (all comparisons against third-quarter 2024 unless otherwise noted):

• Strong bookings of $6 billion, up 15 percent; organic bookings up 13 percent. Bookings strength led by Commercial HVAC, up approximately 30 percent.
• Book-to-bill was more than 100 percent in Commercial HVAC in all regions.
• Enterprise reported revenues were up 6 percent; organic revenues were up 4 percent.
• Excluding Residential, enterprise organic bookings and revenues were up 26 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
• GAAP operating margin was up 150 basis points, adjusted operating margin was up 170 basis points and adjusted EBITDA margin was up 110 basis points.
• Volume growth, positive price realization and productivity more than offset inflation. The Company also continued high levels of business reinvestment.

Third-Quarter Business Review (all comparisons against third-quarter 2024 unless otherwise noted)

Americas Segment: innovates for customers in the North America and Latin America regions. The Americas segment encompasses commercial heating, cooling and ventilation systems, building controls and solutions, energy services and solutions, residential heating and cooling; and transport refrigeration systems and solutions.

• Strong bookings of $4.8 billion; reported and organic bookings both up 12 percent.
• Bookings strength led by Americas Commercial HVAC, up approximately 30 percent, more than offsetting a decline in Residential bookings.
• Reported and organic revenues were both up 4 percent.
• Excluding Residential, Americas organic bookings and revenues were up 28 percent and 11 percent respectively.
• GAAP operating margin was up 90 basis points, adjusted operating margin was up 120 basis points and adjusted EBITDA margin was up 90 basis points.
• Strong volume growth in Commercial HVAC and positive price realization and productivity across the Americas segment more than offset inflation and lower volumes in Residential. The Company also continued high levels of business reinvestment.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Segment: innovates for customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. The EMEA segment encompasses heating, cooling and ventilation systems, services and solutions for commercial buildings and transport refrigeration systems and solutions.

• Strong bookings up 24 percent; organic bookings up 14 percent.
• Reported revenues were up 12 percent including approximately 5 percentage points of positive foreign exchange impact and approximately 4 percentage points related to acquisitions. Organic revenues were up 3 percent.
• GAAP operating margin was down 100 basis points; adjusted operating margin was down 80 basis points and adjusted EBITDA margin was down 60 basis points.
• Volume growth and productivity were more than offset by acquisition-related integration costs, and continued high levels of business reinvestment and inflation.

Asia Pacific Segment: innovates for customers throughout the Asia Pacific region. The Asia Pacific segment encompasses heating, cooling and ventilation systems, services and solutions for commercial buildings and transport refrigeration systems and solutions.

• Strong bookings up 34 percent, organic bookings up 32 percent.
• Reported revenues were up 10 percent, including approximately 1 percentage point of positive foreign exchange impact. Organic revenues were up 9 percent.
• GAAP operating margin and adjusted operating margin were up 340 basis points, and adjusted EBITDA margin was up 230 basis points.
• Strong volume growth, positive price realization and productivity more than offset inflation. The Company also continued high levels of business reinvestment.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

• Through September 30, 2025, cash flow from continuing operating activities was approximately $2.1 billion and free cash flow was approximately $1.8 billion.
• Year-to-date through October, the Company deployed or committed approximately $2.8 billion of capital including approximately $840 million for dividends, $420 million for M&A, $1.35 billion for share repurchases and $150 million for debt retirement.
• The Company expects to pay a competitive and growing dividend and to deploy 100 percent of excess cash to shareholders over time.

Full-Year 2025 Guidance

• The Company expects full-year 2025 reported revenue growth of approximately 7 percent, including 1 percentage point related to acquisitions, and organic revenue growth of approximately 6 percent versus full-year 2024.
• The Company expects GAAP continuing EPS for full-year 2025 of approximately $13.15 to $13.25, including $0.20 for non-GAAP adjustments. The Company expects adjusted continuing EPS for full-year 2025 of $12.95 to $13.05.
• Additional information regarding the Company’s 2025 guidance is included in the Company’s third-quarter earnings presentation found at www.tranetechnologies.com in the Investor Relations section.

# # #
10/31/2025
(See Accompanying Tables)

• Table 1: Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
• Tables 2 – 5: Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP
• Table 6: Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
• Table 7: Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
• Table 8: Balance Sheet Metrics and Free Cash Flow

GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China Daily:

A Chinese cruise liner called Piano Land is serving international guests as the designated “floating hotel” of the APEC CEO Summit held in South Korea from Wednesday to Friday.

It showcases China’s breakthrough in the high-end service sector and injects vitality into the internationalization of Chinese cruise ships, insiders said.

The upgraded Piano Land acts as “high-end offshore reception hall” during the summit and provides exclusive services. Classic Chinese and Western cuisine, Asian specialties, and delicate Chinese dishes are being offered alongside an around the-clock dining service. Facilities including a multifunctional conference room, a cinema, and a theater are available aboard the ship to meet the various needs of meetings and activities.

The vessel is also holding cultural events such as a large song and dance show, performances of traditional Chinese musical instruments, and experiences of diverse intangible cultural heritage including paper-cutting, Sichuan Opera face-changing, tai chi, qigong, and Chinese calligraphy and painting.

All these events showcase the excellent quality and international style of Chinese cruise liners, insiders said.

Astro Ocean Cruise, the owner of Piano Land, will use the APEC CEO Summit as a new start to its innovative service model where it will explore cooperation potential, expand into international markets, and enhance service quality.

The company aims to showcase the unique charm of Chinese cruise brands with greater industry commitment, writing a new chapter of Chinese service on the international stage.

Astro Ocean Cruise is a joint venture established by China Tourism Group and China COSCO Shipping Corp, with its headquarters in Hong Kong. It will subsequently operate as a sub-brand under China Cruises.

Piano Land boasts a total weight of 70,000 metric tons, has 13 decks and 880 cabins, and can hold a maximum of 2,014 passengers. The liner was made by German shipyard Meyer Werft.

It is dedicated to becoming an international cruise ship that “understands tourists better and offers more warmth”, according to Astro Ocean Cruise. The cabins feature high-end wood furniture, spacious wardrobes, and luxury bathtubs. Dining options blend Chinese and Western flavors, offering a diverse culinary experience.

It hopes to offer meticulous and attentive services, providing global travelers with a high-quality cruise vacation that perfectly integrates Eastern and Western elements.

The liner officially began regular operations from its home port of Hong Kong in April, offering a variety of itineraries including trips to Japan and Vietnam, weekend sea tours, and long routes through Southeast Asia. Additionally, it will launch operations from a home port in Malaysia, becoming a Chinese cruise company that operates internationally.

China’s Leading High-End Equipment Manufacturer Advances International Cooperation in Nuclear Fusion Energy

SHANGHAI, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) has recently announced several key milestones in the field of controlled nuclear fusion, including the delivery of the world’s largest toroidal field coil case and the successful arrival of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project’s magnet cold-test cryostat equipment at the site in France.

The achievements underscore the technological prowess of Chinese enterprises in advancing global fusion energy collaboration and add new momentum to the worldwide shift toward clean energy.

“As a pioneer in China’s high‑end equipment manufacturing, Shanghai Electric is committed to advancing fusion energy through technological innovation and international collaboration. We will continue to leverage our core strengths in extreme manufacturing and engineering integration to provide solid support for major global scientific projects such as ITER, helping humanity achieve the grand goal of clean energy,” said Wu Lei, Chairman of Shanghai Electric Group.

The latest technology deliveries not only mark breakthroughs for China in manufacturing core fusion components, but also further solidify the country’s role in the global fusion research supply chain.

In October, the magnet cold‑test cryostat equipment, jointly manufactured by Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group and the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), arrived by sea at France’s Port of Marseille before being slowly transported, at walking speed, over 70 kilometers inland to the ITER Organization site in Cadarache. As one of the seven main members of the ITER project, China is working with international partners to advance fusion technology from the laboratory toward commercialization.

The joint team from Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group overcame strict ITER site constraints—height, weight, and width—completing manufacturing in just 11 months. They achieved millimeter‑level forming of large contoured surfaces, anti‑deformation assembly and welding of large shells and large‑diameter flat flanges, and first‑pass vacuum pumping and helium leak testing of an ultra‑large vessel—setting international benchmarks for millimeter‑level deformation control and high‑vacuum sealing at 10⁻⁴ mbar.

As the world’s largest and most influential international mega‑science project, ITER brings together the combined efforts of more than 30 countries, including the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and China, with the goal to achieve large‑scale fusion reactions and move toward the stable and controllable release of energy.

Meanwhile, the world’s largest toroidal field (TF) coil case, jointly developed by Shanghai Electric and ASIPP, was delivered to the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) in Hefei. Fabricated entirely from austenitic stainless steel, it measures 21 meters tall and 12 meters wide, weighs about 400 tons, and is over 1.2 times larger—and roughly twice as heavy—as the equivalent ITER component.

At the IAEA World Fusion Energy Group ministerial and the 30th Fusion Energy Conference on October 14 in Chengdu, Shanghai Electric highlighted two decades of fusion equipment achievements—spanning EAST, CRAFT, BEST, HT‑6M, and HL‑1—and its industry‑leading system solutions, drawing strong global interest and underscoring fusion’s role in tackling climate change and future energy demand.

Over the years, Shanghai Electric has tackled key technical challenges in fusion material research, mega‑ampere hydrogen boron fusion, and high‑frequency laser deep‑penetration welding. These advances enhanced the performance of fusion devices under extreme conditions and provided replicable solutions, valuable experiences, and technological strength to global fusion research.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, unveiled its latest technological advancements at All-Energy Australia 2025, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Sungrow showcases three standout innovations — the commercial Hybrid Battery and Inverter System (SH110CX Hybrid + ST050CF), the PowerTitan 3.0 utility-scale energy storage system, and the 1+X Series modular inverter. These next-generation solutions highlight Sungrow’s unwavering commitment to driving industry transformation and empowering professionals across the clean energy landscape.

Smart Energy for Business: Flexible, Scalable, and High Efficiency

Sungrow’s C&I EcoSync PV+ESS+EV Charging Solution headlines the commercial segment with the debut of the SH110CX hybrid inverter paired with the ST050CF, a robust, stackable, and expandable DC-coupled storage solution engineered for the Australian market.

• Flexible and Scalable Energy Storage: Modular 50 kWh battery packs can be expanded from 100 kWh to 1 MWh, supporting both single-module and forklift-ready configurations for versatile installation and future capacity upgrades.
• Seamless PV + Storage Integration: The DC-coupled architecture, combined with the SH110CX inverter, reuses existing PV cabling, meters, and loggers—reducing retrofit costs and on-site work. Fully pre-assembled and tested for quick commissioning for both new and existing sites.
• Higher Efficiency, Greater Returns: Featuring 10 MPPTs and a DC/AC ratio of 2.0, the SH110CX maximizes solar utilization. With the built-in energy management algorithm, it optimizes peak shaving and self-consumption. It is also capable of VPP Arbitrage, and FCAS participation—delivering higher combined ROI and intelligent grid solutions.
• Smart user-experience and Safety: Integrated iSolarCloud platform enables one-tap setup, real-time visibility, and AI self-diagnosis. Safe 7 Tech provides multi-layer protection with IP66 / C5-grade durability and ultra-low noise for worry-free operation.

Powering the Grid: Sungrow’s Utility-Scale Breakthroughs

At the utility scale, Sungrow’s PowerTitan 3.0 and 1+X Series modular inverter represent a major leap in large-scale energy storage design.

–  PowerTitan 3.0: Next-Generation ESS Solution
Compactly housed in a 20ft container, PowerTitan 3.0 integrates a 1.72 MW power conversion system with 6.9 MWh of liquid-cooled LFP batteries for unmatched power density. Equipped with advanced grid-forming capabilities, it ensures stable operation across both strong and weak grids. A liquid-cooling system and multi-layer fire and electrical protection deliver superior efficiency, reliability, and safety.

–  1+X Series Modular Inverter: Redefine Utility-Scale Solar Solution 
The newly launched 1+X Series Modular Inverter delivers outstanding safety, flexibility, and cost efficiency with advanced protection systems, AI-driven diagnostics, and simplified O&M for faster, easier installation and maintenance. Its modular design ensures that if one unit fails, others continue operating — minimizing energy loss and maximizing system availability. Designed for seamless integration with solar system, it enables earlier commissioning and greater grid independence, setting a new benchmark for utility-scale solar solutions.

Clean Energy at Home: Powering Everyday Life with Intelligence

As more Australian households embrace solar and storage, Sungrow’s Home EcoSync Solution (SH15–25T + SBH200–400) provides the intelligence and flexibility modern consumers expect.

• Energy Independence: Maximizing solar energy use and minimizing costs through smart grid interaction, off-peak charging, and intelligent solar utilization.
• Uninterrupted Power Supply: Engineered with an advanced six-layer battery protection system, it offers whole-home backup and instant switchover during outages, ensuring no delay and no disruption to daily life.
• Flexible Expansion: Allowing for simple installation and effortless scalability, making it easy to adapt to growing energy needs over time. Whether for residential or commercial applications, the system’s modular architecture ensures future-ready performance without complexity.
• Smart Energy Management: Featuring an intelligent AI assistant and a user-friendly app for real-time insights, live monitoring, and optimized energy consumption.

–  EV Charger (AC22E -01)
Sungrow’s V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Charger offers plug-and-play compatibility with SHRS and SHT home storage systems. With effortless installation and minimal setup, it offers maximum convenience for Australian EV owners and supports the growing V2G ecosystem.

“Australia is at a pivotal moment in its clean energy journey, and Sungrow is proud to be part of that transformation,” said Joe Zhou, Vice President of Sungrow APAC. “At All-Energy Australia, we’re showcasing technologies built for real-world performance — resilient, scalable, and designed to empower communities, support the grid, and accelerate the shift to a zero-carbon future.“

With over 12 years of local expertise, 90 professionals, and a 3,000 m² Service and Logistics Center, Sungrow Australia stands at the forefront of the nation’s renewable energy evolution. Supported by a strong network of 300+ service partners, Sungrow has been recognized as the No.1 Top Solar Inverter Manufacturer and honored with the EUPD Top Brand PV Award for five consecutive years. With a steadfast commitment to powering a sustainable future, Sungrow delivers cutting-edge technology that empowers Australian homes and communities.

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com.

Spreading positivity across the city and inspiring everyone to achieve their BetterMe

HONG KONG, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AXA Hong Kong and Macau (“AXA”) successfully concluded its annual community carnival, the “AXA BetterMe Weekend“, held from 25 to 26 October at AXA WONDERLAND, WestK. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the event attracted over 13,000 participants. AXA brand ambassador Sammi Cheng graced the opening ceremony to officially kick start the event. She captivated the audience with her warm presence and engaging manner, infusing the festivities with energy and enthusiasm. The event was characterised by a joyful and uplifting atmosphere, as families and friends gathered to enjoy a weekend filled with meaningful entertainment and inspiration.

This year’s carnival centred around the theme “BetterMe Express“, continuing to promote AXA’s three core pillars — “Mind Health”, “Physical Health”, and “Sustainable Living”. The venue featured a vibrant array of interactive game booths, stage performances, and complimentary workshops, offering participants an engaging experience that deepened their understanding of the connection between holistic wellbeing and environmental sustainability. One of the highlights of the entertainment programme was a lively audience interaction session with Sammi Cheng, followed by a captivating performance from local band Pandora. The celebration also included a lively parade, bubble shows, busking, the brand new giant outdoor facilities playground, and a giant inflatable bouncy castle— ensuring enjoyment for all ages and creating an unforgettable weekend for the wider community.

In addition, AXA partnered with the Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) to host a football training session for children, promoting the importance of sports and physical activity. AXA, in collaboration with ELEMENTS, Green Power, HK Express, Hong Kong Swimming Academy, Klook, and other partners, offered an extensive range of prizes, including flight tickets, travel gift cards, sports equipment, beverage and dining vouchers as well as limited-edition fifth anniversary gifts, ensuring participants left with lasting memories and generous rewards.

Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Greater China, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, “Over the past five years, the ‘AXA BetterMe Weekend’ has grown from being simply a platform to promote public health into a vibrant community event that champions positive values. We firmly believe that true wellbeing involves harmony between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment. Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering healthy, sustainable lifestyles and supporting the long-term development of our communities. We hope everyone finds the strength to grow on this journey, and together, we can build a healthier, brighter future — making ‘BetterMe’ a goal that resonates in everyone’s heart.”

Despite her busy schedule, AXA brand ambassador Sammi Cheng remained composed and radiant as she shared her personal insights on success. “One of my guiding principles aligns closely with AXA’s brand philosophy—Know You Can, this unwavering self-belief empowers me to overcome limitations. The balance between physical and mind health is also essential; a resilient mindset fuels physical performance, generating positive energy that drives sustained success.” Sammi also shared her view on “BetterMe”, the theme for this annual carnival, “BetterMe is not about striving for perfection, but about embracing my vulnerabilities and imperfections, and learning to get along with myself. I remain committed to continuous growth; the true essence of life lies in giving our best while finding joy and fulfilment along the way.”

AXA places strong emphasis on the physical and mind health of its customers. In addition to hosting its annual community event, the AXA BetterMe Weekend, it offers a comprehensive support platform — AXA BetterMe — featuring nearly 20 services spanning physical health, mind health, and health management. Among those, the “BeOnTrack” programme stands out, providing expert guidance from a multidisciplinary team of family doctors, dietitians, and personal fitness trainers. These services are designed to support both AXA customers and the wider public in achieving their health goals. Access to AXA’s BetterMe services is available anytime, anywhere via the “Emma by AXA” app.

For more details on the AXA BetterMe service, please visit: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/axa-betterme.

For more highlights about the AXA BetterMe Weekend, please visit the video link: https://youtu.be/befXTZ9xwo0.

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, hich is achieved through actively listening to our customers’ needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles – as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE: AXA.COM.HK

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2020, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

Education Cannot Wait, UNICEF and partners are empowering children with disabilities to access inclusive education and reach their full potential in the Central African Republic

BAMBARI, Central African Republic, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Along a dusty street in the town of Bambari, Zénabou, 14, who was born deaf and non-speaking, used to watch other children walk to school each morning.

Zénabou at her school in Bambari, Central African Republic.

“It was torment because, even though I was burning with a desire to find out what happened in the schools where these children went, I realised very early on that it was a system that wasn’t made for me because I was different.”

For many children with disabilities, the doors to education have long remained shut. Yet across the Central African Republic (CAR), stories like Zénabou’s are beginning to change. Children with disabilities are finally receiving the support and opportunities they deserve thanks to a new inclusive education pilot initiative. The programme provides learning materials, mobility aids, and specialized classes in Braille and sign language, while creating a network of community support for families and integrating children with disabilities into local schools.

This groundbreaking initiative is funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, and delivered by UNICEF, partners like Humanity and Inclusion and national organizations, including the ‘Centre d’Alphabétisation et de Formation en Braille pour les Aveugles en Centrafrique’ and the ‘Association Nationale des Déficients Auditifs de Centrafrique’.

A Door Opens

Today, Zénabou sits at her school desk, smiling as she watches her teacher write on the blackboard. To a passer-by, it’s an ordinary scene. To Zénabou, it’s extraordinary.

In a country where stigma around disabilities runs deep, few initiatives have ever focused on improving access to education for children like her. Before school, Zénabou spent her days helping her mother with housework – washing dishes, cleaning clothes and fetching water.

“The day I went to school for the first time, I suddenly realised that I wasn’t the only one in this situation. Seeing more than 30 deaf people in the same place was astonishing!”

Through a multi-year investment from ECW, UNICEF – in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion and local organizations, and with the support of local educational authorities – established specialised classes for deaf and visually impaired children in Bambari within ordinary primary schools. Here, children who have never attended school are taught to read, write and count, learning Braille or sign language – skills that open the door to a world of learning.

“It’s a miracle that a child who cannot speak can now write,” says Zénabou’s Father. “It proves that this school brings blessings.”

Before, Zénabou could barely communicate. Her parents, both illiterate, wanted more for her but saw few options. Everything changed when she gained access to education. “Zénabou is now able to assert herself as a person, despite the communication barriers caused by the fact that she is deaf. I’m now optimistic about Zénabou’s future – I know she’s going to succeed,” her father says.

Zénabou’s parents are her biggest champions. Her mother, though not disabled herself, is a member of the National Organisation of Disabled People’s Associations. At one meeting, she heard about the new learning opportunity for deaf children.

The ECW-funded initiative is also strengthening national organizations to promote and implement inclusive education. A new partnership with the National Association of Hearing-Impaired Persons has supported the adaptation of education for children with hearing impairments in Bambari, with plans to expand to other regions.

Zénabou’s parents are grateful to now have community support and opportunities that give their daughter the tools to reach her full potential.

Education Crisis in CAR

The Central African Republic is one of the toughest places in the world to be a child. Conflict, displacement and instability have destroyed services and limited access to healthcare, livelihoods and education. Years of violence have devastated schools, leaving more than a million children and adolescents out of school.

Children with disabilities face the greatest barriers – compounded by stigma and the lack of specialized support. Addressing these challenges requires rebuilding education infrastructure, promoting inclusive teaching and combating social discrimination to ensure that every child can learn.

ECW recently extended its Multi-Year Resilience Programme in the CAR. The programme increases access to a holistic, quality education in protective learning environments, strengthens national and local education systems, and provides targeted support for girls and children with disabilities, like Zénabou. Through the inclusive education pilot initiative, partners like UNICEF are supporting the national government to promote inclusive education and continue to improve access to learning – with one clear goal: to ensure children with disabilities can go on to participate and learn with all their peers in the same learning space.

An Adventure Ahead

Having the opportunity to go to school like other children has transformed Zénabou’s life. Today, she feels included and empowered to build a better future for herself.

“I’m learning a lot. I really enjoy writing because I discover so many things through it.”

Her story shows the transformative power of inclusive education and the incredible potential of children with disabilities when given the opportunity to thrive. But there is still much to do to ensure all children can access the education they deserve.

The inclusive education initiative in CAR is just the beginning. Global donors and partners must help sustain and expand these programmes, providing vital resources and advocacy for children with disabilities.

By investing in education for all, including those with disabilities, we unlock opportunities for children like Zénabou, empowering them to reach their full potential. Together, we can create a world where every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to succeed.

“I still don’t know where this adventure is going to take me… but one thing’s for sure: today, I can read, write and count, just like the other children. I can also communicate effectively, thanks to sign language! One day I’d like to work in the humanitarian sector.”

By Jelena Borak