Sri Lanka, April 30 -- When Menuri was just six, she woke up excited to take flowers to school; it was homework assigned by her teacher the day before. But a heavy rainstorm made her lose it on the way to school. When she arrived empty-handed, her teacher didn't ask why. Instead, she hit Menuri on her hands and legs. That moment changed everything. Menuri went home crying and didn't return to school for six months. The fear followed her for years, silencing her voice, even when she was praised.

"I was terrified of adults, even when they meant well. I now realise I missed out on so much because of that fear," she says. Today, as a UNICEF Youth Advocate, Menuri speaks out for children who are still afraid. "No child should have to learn t...