The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII

ABDULLAH OMAR
DR. AISHA THAWAB AND MOHAMMED DHIAB, TEACHERS
Al-Abbas Primary School, Hajjah Governorate, Yemen
Courage, in my opinion, is facing the situations we encounter in life, no matter
how difficult, with determination, resilience, and strong will. I came into this
world as mute, unable to speak, and I began to communicate with others
through sign language. Adding to my struggles, my father, mother, and siblings
also suffer from the same condition; none of us can speak. I noticed a sense of
despair in those who shared my situation, with some resorting to begging and
relying on the help of others, rather than attending school. It made me reflect
on my own future and wonder if I would end up like them. This question
marked the beginning of my search for a solution to my circumstances.
The first step I decided to take was to learn sign language, so I could
communicate with others and attend school. After learning the basics of sign
language, I fulfilled my first dream and went to school. I had some fears, but at
school, I met fellow students and teachers. I was delighted with this new world
as I began my education, especially when I was able to teach some of the
teachers and students sign language. I won’t deny that I missed out on many
things at school due to my disability, but I was given an opportunity that many
like me may never have.
“I WON’T DENY THAT I
MISSED OUT ON MANY
THINGS AT SCHOOL
DUE TO MY DISABILITY,
BUT I WAS GIVEN AN
OPPORTUNITY THAT
MANY LIKE ME MAY
NEVER HAVE.”
Teacher Mariam, and everyone who stood by my side as I overcame my
disability. Today, I realize that if I had given up, I would have been confined
to my home, waiting for someone to assist and pity me, and becoming a
burden on society.
One day, I heard about an organization called Abs Development Organization
for Woman and Child that created supportive spaces for people like me by
providing psychological support. I hesitated at first, and when I entered the
space, I encountered some difficulties. However, over time, I adapted and even
grew fond of the place. I enjoyed sitting with my teacher, Teacher Mariam,
because she encouraged me and treated me like any other student. She taught
me a lot of sign language, which boosted my self-confidence. I no longer feared
discussions, and the students began accepting me. I started engaging in games
with them, and my love for school and the supportive space grew. I formed
friendships with fellow students and neighbors, and my academic performance
improved. I achieved good rankings and occasionally tried to help my classmates.
One of the most beneficial outcomes of what I have done is the change that
occurred in my parents and siblings, which I take pride in. They learned sign
language, and our lives changed for the better. They began telling me that I
would continue my education all the way to university, which was something
they never thought possible. I will always be grateful to those who encouraged
and supported me, including my parents, fellow students, Abs Organization,
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND
VOLUME XXXIII
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