Last year, actor and reporter Ruben Reuter visited Moldova with a film crew from CBBC to learn what life is like for children with disabilities there. Ruben met some children who had moved home from an institution, and some who were still living in one. He also met children who were now in a small group home, and some who had begun attending a newly inclusive school. We asked Ruben a few questions about his trip, and what he thought about life for children with disabilities in Moldova.
Children with disabilities should have a good education and a happy home life like everyone else. We should all be equal.
1. What was the biggest difference between your life, and the lives of the children you met in the institution in Moldova?
I have a family who I know love me and want me. I went to a modern school and did exams and got qualifications. My friends are girls as well as boys and we can do lots of fun things together. I can look forward to doing lots of exciting things in my life. I have a job now and I hope to live independently in my own flat one day. I wish Costa [a boy Ruben met in an institution] could have the same as me.
2. What was your favourite moment of your trip?
I enjoyed meeting lots of new people and visiting the new group home and the school. I really enjoyed spending time on Victoria's farm and helping her and her mum with the work. I've never done anything like that before. It taught me a lot.
3. What would you most like people to learn from your documentary?
That everyone deserves a good start. Children with disabilities should have a good education and a happy home life like everyone else. We should all be equal.
You can watch what happened on Ruben’s trip on the My Life programme section of BBC iPlayer (UK only).