Removing Barriers to ‘Normal Life’
by Jihan Twemeh Nazzal
It started at the very early moments of her birth. Lack of oxygen
during birth caused the life of Raneem* to be a different one, a life
with a permanent disability: Paralysis.
Raneem spent her early childhood, within the four walls of her house.
Isolation, fear of the future, hopelessness and loneliness were her
companions. For 12 continuous years, Raneem and her family faced a
constant struggle to obtain what the majority of the families in her
community consider to be an ordinary life.
Going to school, accessing education, playing with peers, enjoying
her childhood–the very simple things most children take for granted were
the unattainable dream of Raneem. For so long, her parents held on to
the belief that disability is a big impediment, and from this belief,
Raneem was not given the chance to be part of the community.
When she became nine years old and entered school, the mockery of her
peers at school emphasized this belief and only led Raneem to be a
shut-in, a hidden and isolated young girl whose place is nowhere but her
house.
Reintegrating Raneem into community was the most significant goal
which the YMCA Rehabilitation Program planned to achieve. Working with
her family, raising awareness of those surrounding her, and enhancing
Raneem’s acceptance at school were the first steps that helped Raneem
gain motivation, persistence, and drive to change her life and
compensate for the years of childhood wasted in isolation.
With the support of MCC, the entrance of Raneem’s house was adapted
thereby enabling her to move freely in and out of her home. The barriers
that used to shut Raneem in are now removed so that she can get on with
living.
Today, Raneem has begun to feel better about herself. She came to
know herself as respected, accepted and loved. Today, she is healed from
the feeling of being unworthy and undesirable. Out of her new positive
feelings, great things may flourish. That’s what she and her parents
have realized.
Raneem said: “Today, I have friends at school, and I can learn and I know how to write and read.”
And her father said: “In the past, we didn’t know what to do with
Raneem, but today she is living a normal life like others, she is
learning and continuing her life. You are the only organization that was
able to change our life and the life of my daughter and you let us feel
capable of dealing with the problem.”
Today, Raneem who used to be shut-in is shut-out to a new and better life to live.
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