Orouba Ashour, 25, has set an example for pursuing success despite disability. Challenging her visual impairment, she has pursued greater development of her knowledge and skills, and she now delivers training courses in management and decision-making to people without disability. Building on her self-confidence, she plans big for her future, and gives little attention, if any, to inconsiderate comments aiming at halting her determination.

In 2012, Orouba joined the Irada program after reading about it in a newspaper. She had received a merit-based scholarship to study a professional diploma in banking and finance at the Islamic University of Gaza, sponsoring the program. Appraising her progress highly, the instructors of the diploma decided to nominate Orouba for the position of administrative assistant at Irada, and she has since worked with Al-Aseel Golden program and demonstrated quality delivery of her responsibilities.

“I feel so happy to be doing what I am doing,” Orouba says. “I feel hopeful about the future. My contribution to my family and to my society has been meaningful to them and, reciprocally, motivating to me. My network of friends and colleagues has grown so well. Building it has developed my personal and communication skills.”

“I feel indebted to each person, from my family siblings and friends, who has supported me,” she continues. “Especially, I want to thank the donors to and managers of Irada program. Without their generous support, I would have come this far.”

Orouba encourages all people who suffer from disability to never give up on life. She frequently uses her success story to inspire them to dream big and pursue their dreams. “You find warmth, assurance and security when you accomplish your dreams,” she added.

Orouba is only a few months away from obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Al-Quds Open University. Thanks an indepdent source of income, she could afford the degree costs.

Finally, Orouba expressed her deep hope that fewer and fewer people will have insensitive comments to say to people with disability.