BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Life has different faces and paths; it has several ups and downs; happiness and grief are part of this life journey. Disability is among the challenges humankinds face during their life. In addition to the physical challenges the psychological suffering of individuals with disability is severe one. Not only those direct victims of the problem, parents or family members are among the people who will suffer the pain. However, with all these challenges, there are some individuals, groups or organizations that would stretch their hands to support individuals with physical disabilities. Addis Guzo organization is among such institutions that are founded with the mission of supporting individuals with physical disability. This organization was founded some years ago by Swiss born husband and wife – Bernhard and Christin Oberli- whose heart is full of compassion for those individuals with physical disabilities.
Addis Guzo- which is a non-profitable organization- assembles wheelchairs and provides other relevant services to individuals with disabilities. Due to its service, several Ethiopians have become beneficiaries.
Muna Taju, is the mother of a three years old Ferhan, who has become handicapped starting from six month. The moment Muna realized her daughter was experiencing physical disability she took her to a public hospital. However, the process to get the service there was not easy as she expected. While she was looking for other options to help her little daughter Muna heard from a friend about Addis Guzo- a nonprofit organization.
“I heard about Addis Guzo from friends. Starting from the time I heard that good news, I was relieved. After I got a letter of recommendation about my economic status from Kebele I went to Addis Guzo and explained about my daughter`s physical situation. The man who was examining my daughter gave news of hope. Before I heard such good news, I was highly stressed. While she was eight months of age my daughter could not even hold her milk bottle and had difficulties walking or sitting by her at the age one year. However, after she got treatment at Addis Guzo I saw a radical shift in her status. She was able to walk and sit. She even started to say Mom or Dad clearly, which she could not do before. She is able to identify her father and mother. Currently, there is a dramatic change in her life. The cause behind this change next to Allah is Addis Guzo. I really thank them.”
According to Muna, the treatment her daughter got at Addis Guzo is beyond her expectations. “Am happy with that and am trying to give her more love and care now. They give us training including the way we should feed our children and the physical exercises they should get. There are some children who could not swallow their food. This type of child needs special care. Whenever I returned back home I practiced what they trained me. I have given everything I have for my daughter to fill her gaps.”
In addition to individuals like Ferhan there are other individuals with disabilities who are getting physical and psychological support from Addis Guzo. A woman who prefers to be anonymous is among those individuals whose lifestyle has changed because of the training she got from the Organization. According to her, if it was not because of Addis Guzo, life would be harsh for her and her family members. However, currently, she is an independent woman with skills and monthly income.
“Frankly speaking, Addis Guzo deserves appreciation. It is helping several individuals with disabilities. I am among them. If I didn’t join Addis Guzo and get the training, life would be difficult for me. I have three children. My husband is disabled as well and his income is not that much satisfactory. However, due to the training I got from Addis Guzo I am able to support my family.”
There is a saying that “Disability is not inability.” Indeed, it is not! Several individuals with disabilities have astonished the world with their great achievements; there are individuals with physical disabilities but strong mental ability that reversed the old saying “Disability is inability.” There are also some individuals with disabilities who failed to show their abilities to the world because of lack of opportunities and access to training. In this regard, besides providing physical treatment to individuals with disabilities, having responsible organizations like that of Addis Guzo have a significant role in uplifting the morale of those members of the society. What is more, the old thought of associating physical disabilities with curse or wrath of the creator should be reversed and parents have to take their children to health centers instead of locking them in the house for fear of social isolation.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER 2022
