Human strength is not only muscular, nor is his happiness derived solely from his wealth. In fact, many strong men have lived lonely while wealthy people are never immune from depression. Where a man’s actual strength lies is in his motivation and determination, both of which help him overcome obstacles before finally reaching his goals. Disability, therefore, is not a sufficient reason to label a person “weak” or “lonely” or “sad”, especially if this disability is challenged by tremendous motivation and determination.

Ola Zorob, 23, was born with a visual disability that has not stopped her from pursuing her dreams. She was determined to complete her education, and she could. She finished high school, went to college to study public relations, graduated with distinction and began the search for job. She did not feel frustrated when she found none; rather, it was a motivation for her. When she learned about a job creation project, run by Irada, funded by OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and sponsored by the United Nations Development Program, she developed an interested in vocational training, especially in manual wood-carving and pyrography she had seen the products of such training and already liked the idea.

Following admission into the project, she actively worked with colleagues and trainers. When it was Eid religious holiday, Irada gifted a number of participants, Ola among them, a sum of money, which she used invite her family members to a delicious meal. She felt very happy to receive her first reward in cash and to gather her family to celebrate it with her.

Now, Ola dreams of starting up her own practice, and she hopes to market her products at international events. “I wish to help contribute to my family,” Ola adds. “My father works as a driver, and he barely can provide to the family. If I work, at least I will be able to provide for my medicine and can finally afford my long-needed surgery.”

Tariq Mousa, 32, is another example of ambitious and successful participants in Irada program. He joined the same job creation project as Ola, and he chose to receive training in furniture painting. His choice was based on consideration of his physical disability in the lower part of his left leg, and of a general muscle weakness throughout his body. Even though this disability has lasted since his birth, challenging it through participation in the project led to wonderful results. Before, Tariq used to be isolated and alone, but now he feels more “integrated” into the society, as productive as his fellow community members.

“I am very grateful for my participation in Irada program,” Tariq says. “It has been a transformative experience lifting me from loneliness to sociability and from being jobless to being productive. More projects like this one have tremendous impacts on our lives.”

Ahmed Al-Akhras joins Ola and Tariq in their motivation, determination and ambition. Ahmed lost one of his legs in an Israeli airstrike in 2011 while he was going to work. Five years into his loss, he has almost forgotten it because of his immersion in the job creation project. Following intensive vocational training, Ahmed feels confident in his skills and wishes to start up his own practice soon.

Like Ola and Tariq, Ahmed felt happy when he received the Eid gift from Irada. “It was a source of happiness to me, my family and my children,” he says. “I then took my children to buy them new clothes for the holiday, and we bought dessert, too. I am very thankful to the management and training staff of Irada.”

These stories of hope, pride and happiness are enough to prove that happiness is contingent on motivation and determination, for these two are what truly fuels a man’s passion about life. Irada program holds central to its mission this belief and acts upon it in its rehabilitation and training of people with disability. Generous support from OFID, UNDP and the Ministry of Work has allowed for the implementation of the job creation project, benefiting 50 individuals through excellent preparation for the job market. Fields of specialty offered through the training project included wood-carving and carpentry, aluminum products making, and upholstery and furniture painting.