On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge honours the strength and spirit of one of its own: 15-year-old Zara Ricardo, a learner who embodies resilience, courage, and the power of genuine inclusion. Zara lives with paraplegia following a car accident, yet she speaks about her life at Trinityhouse with warmth, pride, and a quiet confidence that reveals just how transformative true support can be.“I have been at Trinityhouse since Grade 1, and from the very beginning, I felt I belonged here,” Zara shares. “The school is accessible, welcoming, and built in a way that allows me to move around independently. I can reach my classes, join activities, and be part of everyday school life without constantly worrying about physical barriers. That freedom means more than most people realise.”

Trinityhouse’s commitment to inclusion is rooted in its values. Speaking about Zara’s journey, the school says: “At Trinityhouse, we see the child before the circumstance. Every pupil deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Our responsibility is to ensure no child is left behind, academically, emotionally, or socially. Zara is a shining example of what happens when a young person is truly supported to flourish.”This ethos has shaped Zara’s school life in every way, through inclusive infrastructure, thoughtful academic support, and relationships built on kindness, respect, and high expectations.

Proud Trinityhouse student Zara Ricardo

Zara credits much of her confidence to the people around her.“Mr Eckstein, my Headmaster, has always made me feel understood and supported,” she says. “And my teachers and classmates show kindness without making me feel different. When I need help, they are there, quietly, respectfully, and without taking away my independence.”She adds that being recognised for her achievements, rather than her disability, has been one of the most empowering parts of her school experience. A defining moment of her year was receiving Junior Colours for Music, awarded after she earned a distinction in her Trinity London piano exams. “I felt so proud,” Zara says. “It reminded me that I am capable of so much, and that my disability does not take away my talent or my hard work.” Zara describes this school year as “a turning point”.

“Everything started to feel more real,” she explains. “I chose Mathematics, Double Science and Business Studies for Grade 10, and that pushed me to focus more on my marks and what I want for my future.” Her passion for the medical field, especially inspired by her Biology lessons, has grown steadily. “My Biology teacher, Mrs Venter, has played a huge role in helping me find what I love,” Zara says. “She always sees when I’m having a hard day and encourages me to keep going. Teachers like her make me feel understood.”Another teacher who has made a remarkable impact is her English teacher, Mr Dinner. “He believes in my voice and always encourages me to aim for a distinction,” she says. “He makes me feel seen.”

Zara and her best friend Zainab Deveduth

Zara is also part of Trinityhouse’s Outreach Programme at Thandanani House of Refuge, where she supports younger children with homework and plays games with them. “Thandanani made me realise how privileged I am to have the family and support system I do,” she says. “Helping others has changed the way I see the world.”Zara’s friendships have played a huge role in her school journey. Her best friend, Zainab, is a constant source of joy and support. “She sees me for who I am,” Zara smiles. “She makes me laugh, she listens, and she treats me exactly like everyone else. Her family and mine are close, we feel like extended family.”True inclusion, she says, is simple: “Being invited, being heard, being included, without anyone assuming I can’t take part. It’s being treated as equal.”Zara hopes her story encourages other young people facing similar challenges.“Never give up on yourself,” she says. “Believe in who you are, even on the hard days. Having a positive mindset and good people around you changes everything.”Her journey is a reminder of what is possible when schools lead with compassion. As Trinityhouse puts it: “Inclusion is not a concept, it is a daily practice. Zara reminds us why it matters.”

Zara with her Mom, Maxine Ricardo