Gulshan's Joy: How HDF Helped Disabled Girl Express Herself

By Pir Niaz Ahmed

Gulshan is one of the many neglected children in Pakistan who can see and hear but can't speak. She used to feel great sorrow and guilt for not being able to express herself while all her friends and family were able to communicate with each other.

When she heard of an education program being instituted in her village of Sheena in the Shamsabad area, Gulshan was overjoyed. It was to be a turning point in her life. She immediately enrolled herself in this school, a joint effort of the women's development organization (DO) of her village and HDF. Gulshan is now learning with great enthusiasm at this school and is fully supported by her caring teacher, Ms. Um-e-Kulsoom.

Ms. Um-e-Kulsoom is happy to give Gulshan the special time and care that she deserves, not only because she is disabled, but also because she is a quick learner! With the efforts of Ms. Um-e-Kulsoom, Gulshan is now able to express her feelings and thoughts through writing and sign language. Gulshan is now able to utilize and optimize one of the greatest bounties of Allah -- her mind.

Not only did HDF's education program help Gulshan learn to express herself, it had an immense impact on her self-esteem and personality. "One cannot imagine what Gulshan's life would be today, had HDF not started a school in our village," Gulshan's mother said.

Gulshan's story has now motivated many others in the surrounding villages to take the initiative to educate themselves and learn the skills their communities need.