In a world where the struggles of children with special needs often go unnoticed, the story of Aron Guçi, a young Albanian boy diagnosed with cerebral palsy, stands as a powerful reminder that passion, talent, and love can overcome any limitation. At the fourth edition of the international youth music competition, Twinkle Twinkle Festival 2025, Aron took home the first prize, moving the jury and audience alike with his extraordinary performance.
But this was more than an artistic achievement — it was a deeply human triumph, a victory over adversity, and a shining message to the world: even a child who cannot walk can still fly through music.
An Albanian Pride Growing Up in Germany
Aron was born to Albanian parents and raised in Germany, where his daily life is structured around school, therapy, and various developmental courses. Despite facing significant challenges, Aron excels in academics, particularly in languages like German, French, English, Italian, and of course, Albanian. But his greatest passion is music, which brings him deep joy and fulfillment.
In a touching interview, his mother, Sildona, shares insights into Aron’s life, his journey into the world of art, and the emotional rollercoaster the family experienced leading up to and during the international festival.
From Toy Percussion to a Real Stage
Aron's love for music emerged at just four years old, when he would sing and tap along to children’s songs with elderly German neighbors who were musicians. They immediately recognized his musical ear and natural rhythm, encouraging the family to nurture his talent. Years later, thanks to his music teacher, Aron composed his own songs — one of which would eventually take him to the Twinkle Twinkle stage.
A Stage, a Dream, a Triumph
The most emotional moment for the family came when Aron performed live on a professional stage, breaking through the physical barriers imposed by his condition. Competing equally with children from other countries, he was awarded the festival’s grand prize, proving that when passion is met with perseverance, anything is possible — even in the face of a disability like cerebral palsy.
Aron’s performance wasn’t just about music — it was about courage, dignity, and the limitless potential of a young Albanian dreamer.
A Deep Connection to Albania
Although he was raised in Germany, Aron holds a deep love for Albania. During his visit for the festival, he made new friends and cherished every moment. He often expresses his desire to live in Albania, but unfortunately, the lack of accessible infrastructure limits his freedom of movement. “We hope one day we can make that dream come true,” says his mother.
The Healing Power of Art
Despite facing many closed doors, Aron's determination and love for music have never faded. He now works with a teacher who understands him deeply and helps him grow artistically. “He loves the stage and forgets his disability the moment he performs,” says his mother. “For Aron, music is not just art — it is therapy.”
A Message to Other Parents
“To all parents of children with special needs — accept your child as they are. Be open-minded. Do not limit them. Quality of life is possible, even in difficult conditions. Believe in them, support their passions. Passion is the strongest therapy,” says Sildona.
She urges families to be brave and push forward, no matter how difficult the journey. “We parents can help turn our children’s dreams into reality — and that is the most powerful gift we can give them.”
Living in Germany: A Parent’s Experience
The road wasn’t easy for Aron's family. “The first years were incredibly hard,” Sildona recalls. “It took time to accept our child's condition and to find the right support, therapists, schools, and understanding institutions.” While progress has been made, she emphasizes that bureaucracy is still a heavy burden, especially for foreign families unfamiliar with legal rights and systems.
She also notes a significant flaw in the education system: children with disabilities are often directed toward separate special schools, even when mainstream schools with proper support would better suit their needs. “Inclusion is still a work in progress,” she says. “Integration into everyday society should be the goal, not isolation.”
Their key to success has been community and connection: building a network of supportive parents, professionals, and friends has helped them navigate the system — and now, they pay it forward by supporting others in similar situations.
Dreams for Aron's Future
Like any parent, Sildona dreams of independence and happiness for her child. “We want Aron to have quality of life, to be able to live and work on his own one day. To experience life in all its colors. That would be our happiness.”
A Call for Accessibility and Representation
Sildona emphasizes the need for cultural and artistic activities to be made accessible to all children — including those with disabilities. “A child who cannot walk still feels music and art the same as any other child,” she says. “They deserve equal access and opportunity.”
She calls on schools to recognize and nurture every child’s talent and passion, rather than focusing only on what’s lacking. “Frustration and low self-esteem often come from being seen only through the lens of what one can’t do. That must change.”
Media, educators, parents, and society all have a role to play in creating a world where children like Aron are seen, heard, and celebrated. “Show their stories. Normalize their presence. Teach your children to include and respect their peers — even if they seem different. Sometimes, the most beautiful view of life is seen from a wheelchair.”