Fatima: The Strong Woman Who Turned the Effects of Polio into Strength

Rahmatullah Marjankhel

Ghazni, Afghanistan – Fatima, a 25-year-old resident of Ghazni city’s First District, was afflicted by polio at the age of five, an incurable disease that left both of her legs paralyzed and made her dependent on others for many aspects of her life. Despite her physical limitations, she pursued her education with determination, graduating from high school, and later gaining admission to Ghazni University, where she completed a four-year degree with the support of her family, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Dari literature.

Currently, polio-affected Fatima works as a teacher at a school for the blind and deaf in Ghazni city. Every afternoon at one o’clock, she commutes in a rented vehicle to the school for disabled children.

The technical school for the blind and deaf has been operating in Ghazni for years, with many of its teachers being disabled individuals themselves. Fatima is one of the female teachers who has been working at the school for the past four years as a freelance teacher.

As she was getting out of the vehicle, supported by her crutches in front of the school, she said, “In Afghan society, life is hard enough as a woman, but when you add the burden of disability, those challenges multiply tenfold.”

 

Polio-affected Fatima currently works as a teacher at a school for the blind and deaf in Ghazni city. Every afternoon at one o’clock, she commutes in a rented vehicle to the school for disabled children. © Polio free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhel

 

Fatima, who was deeply emotional, shared some of the harsh realities of her life as follows: “I was five years old when I contracted polio, which paralyzed both of my legs because my parents hadn’t vaccinated me against it. Being disabled, I endured many challenges in life, but now I don’t worry about my future because I have achieved something, I have been educated, and I can do something.”

She stated that attending school was challenging, with mobility being difficult, and she had to endure the hurtful comments of society directed at disabled individuals. However, when she succeeded in entering university, she found that people were somewhat more understanding, although challenges persisted.

“Anyone with a disability will obviously face difficulties, the fact that I’ve come this far is because I didn’t let people’s words affect me, and I never lost my resolve. This is the result of my relentless efforts,” she added.

Fatima expressed her gratitude to her family and friends, who supported her in her pursuit of education despite her disability. Their support has helped her reach this point.

She said that after graduating from university, she hoped to serve the disabled community, and now she sees the fruits of her efforts.

 

Fatima, who was deeply emotional, shared some of the harsh realities of her life as follows: “I was five years old when I contracted polio, which paralyzed both of my legs because my parents hadn’t vaccinated me against it. Being disabled, I endured many challenges in life, but now I don’t worry about my future because I have achieved something, I have been educated, and I can do something.” © Polio free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhel

 

Fatima said, “I learned that there was a special school for disabled children that needed a teacher. Since I was already familiar with sign language and Braille, I applied for the position and, with the help of the school’s principal, was hired as a freelance teacher. I am happy to serve the disabled community, and they are satisfied with my work.”

She says that she often advises her friends and relatives not to neglect their children’s vaccinations, if children miss their vaccinations and get polio, their families should be held responsible.

Sadiq Rahmanyar, the head of the Ghazni school for the blind and deaf, said that despite her disability due to polio, Fatima holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dari literature. She is not only proficient in sign language but also teaches students using Braille, and the administration appreciates her dedication and work ethic.

He added, “It’s true that Fatima is disabled, but in no way is she inferior to able-bodied individuals. In fact, she is the only teacher in our school with a higher education degree.”

Referring to Fatima’s situation, Rahmanyar called on families not to neglect the health of their children, and vaccinate them regularly to safeguard them from the incurable disease of polio.

 

Fatima expressed her gratitude to her family and friends, who supported her in her pursuit of education despite her disability. Their support has helped her reach this point. © Polio free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhel

 

Healthcare professionals also emphasize that family elders should administer all the childhood vaccinations to their children, including the polio vaccine, in order to protect them from polio and other diseases.

Dr. Hassan Khairkhwa of Ghazni stated, “When polio vaccination campaign volunteers visit homes, it is crucial for family elders to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent them from suffering permanent disabilities.

Determination and strong will are the keys to success, and Fatima is one of those who, despite the disability caused by polio, has never given up. Today, she is in a position to serve other disabled individuals.