By Stephanie Schrempft | Public Health Specialist
Mohammed and Sabera, two of our 10th grade students who were born deaf, highlight some of the difficulties facing disabled youth in Afghanistan, and how being a part of our school has given them hope for the future:
‘It is very complicated to be deaf and not be able to communicate even with my sisters and brothers. They were enjoying normal school whereas I was not able to attend it since I could not hear what the teacher was saying. About 5 years ago our neighbor told my father that there is a school for people like me, so he enrolled me into this school. I am very happy because I feel empowered and enabled to communicate. I read and write now. I like math and even help my little sister and brother at times with their homework. I wish I could become a teacher and help kids learn and overcome illiteracy.’ (Mohammed, 16 years)
‘On the streets of the city it is very difficult to communicate with people – they do not understand if I ask them something. But – thanks to this school – I am capable of reading journals, newsletters, magazines, and historical books. I wish I could continue my studies after finishing school, however, in Kabul it is very difficult since there is no possibility for deaf people to enroll in normal classes.’ (Sabera, 16 years)
This week, until Sunday 12th August, our Rahyab School project is participating in the Youth Week Campaign on Global Giving. The aim of the campaign is to grow support for projects that provide safe spaces for youth. Our school is a safe space for youth with disabilities, enabling them to come together, engage in activities adapted to their diverse needs and interests, and express themselves freely. At the end of the campaign, the top 5 projects with the most funds raised and most unique donors will get up to $5,000 in bonus prizes. Additionally, there will be a 100% match for all new recurring donations started during the campaign.
Please help us to continue providing a safe space for disabled children in Afghanistan, either by donating directly, or sharing our work with your family members and friends.
We greatly appreciate your support.
Warm wishes,
The team at AfD
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
