Where is your leg Dad?” A sentence struck me during while talking to Mohamed Alloulihy, who is thirty five years old. He is a young man with disability subjected to the amputation of his left leg and a cut the nerves of his right hand. Disability was the reason for his sadness at first, but by his strong will and determination, he made it a reason for success.
When asked him about the attitude caused pain most after he lost his leg, Mohamed said: “I felt sad when asked by my little son Ahmed, Where is your leg Daddy? “Innocent question by an eight-year-old boy, but its impact was deep that ignited a sadness inside me.” Mohammed continued with grief while recalling this situation: “I was surprised by the question, and was unable to answer. I covered my face and cried bitterly, perhaps because my kids are not used to see me this way, or maybe it is the fear of being seen by my children as helpless forever. Or maybe it is my fear that I will no longer able to carry my children to the kindergarten just like any other parents. “
What was more severe than disability to Muhammad was the hampering society that looks for people with disabilities a negative view. He was afraid to be excluded from society like other people with disabilities. Mohammed says: “I suffered a lot after my injury, I sat in a wheelchair, the look of my family and my community changed. I saw in their eyes pit for incapable useless man. I went to many places to look for search of job, but no one wanted to hire me. I gave up work which I used to do as a houses painter, and refrained from visiting my relatives. All of this had impact on me, I preferred to stay at home rather than listening to their words pity and sarcasm”
Mohammad’s story did not end because of a disability, but began to take another path, it has opened a new door in front of him. Mohammed says: “One day I was sitting when my young son brings me prosthesis and tells me to go to work. The words of my child stirred my feelings made me cry, I realized that the time had come for overcoming my disability and community-looks and prove to them that disability lies in their minds, not in my body. I put on my prosthesis and went out, heading to Irada program, which I have heard of as a place of training for people with disabilities. “
Mohammed joined in Irada training program in painting furniture workshop within the project “improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities,” which is being implemented with funding from Human Appeal-UK. Six months of training had an impact on Mohamed and managed to merge again to society and to learn a new profession. Although it is similar to his old profession, it is best suiting his current health condition. Mohammed excelled in the field of painting furniture, and became proud of himself for being able to overcome his disability. About his experience in Irada program of Mohammed says: “I trained in the field of painting furniture, made friendships and improved my social relationships. It has become my new family who share my disability, joy and my sorrow. This family gave me a helping hand and supported me when everyone else abandoned me.”
Muhammad began a new way of life hoping to achieve his dream at the end. He hopes to be able to work in his field after graduation, and have a source of income that can meet the needs and of his family. His ambitions extend to help others with disabilities. Mohammed ends his talk to us and concludes by saying: “I could stand up again, and I hope to have my own business and give a helping hand to those who suffer like me.”
