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Armless Pilot to Inspire Ethiopian Children

** Jessica Cox**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Jessica Cox, the first armless person to earn a pilot's certificate, is partnering with Handicap International on a journey to Ethiopia.
  • The mission aims to inspire children with disabilities in Ethiopia, where only one percent are educated due to societal beliefs and lack of opportunities in low-income countries.
  • Cox serves as a powerful role model, having achieved a black belt, become an avid rock climber and snowboarder, and a motivational speaker, embodying her philosophy of eliminating "I can't" from her vocabulary.
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Jessica Cox, the first person without arms to earn a pilot’s certificate, is joining Handicap International on a journey to Ethiopia to inspire children with disabilities to reach beyond their dreams despite their physical challenges. Handicap International targeted Ethiopia because low-income countries in particular tend to deny handicapped people opportunities offered to the general public.

“In Ethiopia, only one percent of children with disabilities are educated,” says Matteo Capriotti, Handicap International’s country director for Ethiopia. “Most parents of children with disabilities do not think they can benefit from going to school.”

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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