Picture
credit: https://vk.com/club82168571?from=quick_search
The
post will demonstrate a moving experience that altered my life 180 degrees. A
voluntary club, D.A.R., is a miracle place where people get inspired and
children with disabilities can study in ordinary schools.
It was December 5, 2012 when I became a member
of D.A.R. while in my second year of my Bachelor degree. In fact, the club was
founded on December 5, 2007. D.A.R. is a center for paralyzed citizens of
Aktobe, whose main is to help children and adolescents suffering from cerebral
palsy adapt socially. This center organizes leisure activities for children and
young people with disabilities. The club has more than a hundred volunteers,
and the majority of them are students. Previously, to me, joining a club meant merely having something new to do or
to escape boredom in my life. Being unfamiliar with disabilities, I faced the
shock of reality: people of all ages (adults, teenagers, and children) have debilitating
physical conditions.
People I met there give new meaning to the
word inspirational. Alibek is the first person whom I met in the club. He is a
thirty-two year old man who became paralyzed in his teens; his sight was
damaged over time. Despite his condition, Alibek is sociable, educated, and wise.
Alibek is the heart of the club, always ready to help. His courage allows him
realize his dream which is being an orator. Alibek inspires everyone around.
Recently, he wrote an inspirational book about the heartbreaking life
conditions affecting him and his friends. His next goal of pursuing a degree in
philology became reality, too.
Alibek, a man of several talents, astonishes
me with his joy for life.
The next person I would like to tell you about is
Azamat. Azamat is young, active, and optimistic. He never lets his problems
with his legs hinder his attitude to life. Walking with with help of a cane, he
has the happiest smile, every time I see him. He drives a car, which would
simply seem impossible for many people. True friends and a beloved job bring
him satisfaction in life no matter what.
A girl with a beautiful name, Lunara,
has a similar case to Azamat. After graduating from university, she worked as
an accountant. A year ago, one of the happiest moments of life happened, her
marriage. Diana, a teenaged girl, whom I
used to tutor, went from being shy and withdrawn to open and sociable. Albina
studied in an ordinary secondary school wheras Diana was homeschooled up until
grade 8. Diana opened up gradually when she entered school with twenty-five
children. As I see the aim of inclusive education, it is realized by the school’s
capacity to provide education to “all
children regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional,
linguistic or other conditions” (The Salamanca R., 1994, p. 6).
Alibek, Azamat, Lunara, Albina, Diana and
all the other people of D.A.R. are
role models for all of us and for those who challenged the barrier of
disability. These and all other people of D.A.R. make me think of how beautiful
life is. The club turned into more than a new place or hobby; I found wonderful
friends. I am proud that Aktobe has such incredible places as D.A.R. and
inclusive education in some schools.
Reference
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization & Ministry of
Education and
Science of Spain. (1994, June 7-10). The Salamanca statement and framework for
action on special needs education. Salamanca.
Dear Lather Asha, thanks a lot for sharing your experience. It is noteworthy theme to be discussed, especially among the education stakeholders. In my opinion, volunteering is more than just helping others, experiencing new things or finding new friends. I would say that it is close to lifestyle, to the personal style of thinking and perceiving the world, the universe. Certainly, volunteering helps to accept reality, to be aware of life happening beyond the personal circle. Of course each had a day when you get up, stay in front of the mirror and think "Oh...I am not supermodel, my legs not straight as Victoria Secret's models have, my skin and nose note not ideal as Nicole Kidman's.." or "I am a looser because, I spent 4 years at university, got a degree but still didn't find myself, while my peers successfully realizing themselves in chosen field". Examples can be millions, but all that scenarios can be aliened into one code "Complains". This is how our reality is spoiled via sugary social networks and/or posh media . In this sense, volunteering can play major role, especially in the life of teenagers and youngsters. It bring back to the reality, it benefit people to be patient, tactful and grateful. It widens the world and human being value. I think it would change many things if each secondary school had special program or volunteering club..
ReplyDeleteAsha thanks for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteI am very glad to know that young people volunteer in different organizations. Usually, people think about their every day routine life or concern about their first world problems. However, other vulnerable people need our help and support.
I am also volunteer in Public Fund "Best for Kids" which realizes social adaptation program for orphanage children in Akmola region. More specifically, our team organizes visits to orphanages with special program (professional orientation, English lessons and sport games). It definitely has positive effect not only on children, but volunteers also. Children are more open-minded and curious and volunteers are more responsible and zealous. I think that volunteering is valuable experience for everyone which gives inspiration to live more productively.