Sherali Mirayubov is the head of the public organization “Muvaffak” in Istaravshan and a trainer of the public organization of the League of Women with Disabilities “Ishtirok” in Dushanbe.

“When I studied in a school, due to my disability I faced various problems. My parents took me to a special boarding school in Khujand, and in 2014 I graduated from this educational institution with good and excellent grades. In the same year I entered the law faculty of Tajik National University” – proudly tells Sherali.

Like our conversant, young people with disabilities face many problems in society, and, unfortunately, not all of them can overcome this and find their way in the life. Sherali said that at the time of study, the students had two main problems: the lack of textbooks for blind or partially sighted people and poor infrastructure in educational institutions. Nevertheless, with the advent of the high-tech age, the first problem became solvable, since there is already access to audio books through mobile phones or computers, but the government has to take measures on the second problem.

“Despite the difficulties, I proudly graduated from university. Of course, I am very grateful to my teachers and classmates who helped me with my study. I believe that a person should have life-long education in order to develop his talents. For example, in 2019, the participation in the training of the NGO Ishtirok opened a different world for me. Right after these trainings that I was invited as a trainer to the NGO Ishtirok, and then I decided to create my own organization to help people with such a fate as mine”- Sherali tells.

It should be noted that within the framework of the project “Promotion of social change and inclusive education in Tajikistan”, funded by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by the DVV International Country Office in Tajikistan in cooperation with two partner organizations “Adult Education Association in Tajikistan” and “League women with disabilities “Ishtirok” ”, a number of measures are being taken to support and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The events included trainings on business planning, a modern understanding of disability and human rights, life skills, inclusive education, interactive learning and teaching methods, vocational training courses on the specialties “Confectioner” and “Beekeeper” which covered more than 300 young people with disabilities.

Sherali was one of the active participants of trainings for trainers, and experience has shown that when a trainer conducts trainings to a peer, a tangible result is achieved.

“When I attended trainings for trainers organized by “Ishtirok”, I realized how many young people with disabilities did not know about their rights. Especially the youth from remote cities and areas. Dushanbe, which is the "heart" of the country, has more opportunities, but youth with disabilities in other parts of the country need support. The goal of our newly created organization called “Muvaffak (Success)” in Istaravshan is to raise awareness and provide support for young people with disabilities” Sherali said.

Sherali wants young people with disabilities to learn about their rights and do everything possible to make their dreams come true.

“No need to be ashamed of your disability or to deprive yourself of your dreams. It is important to remember that if God bereaves a person of something, he will inevitably give something in return. So, go for it!” - Sherali says confidently.

M. Nozimi

This activity is carried out within the framework of “Promotion of Social Change and Inclusive Education in Tajikistan” project funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The project is being implemented by the DVV International Country Office in Tajikistan in partnership with public organizations “Adult Education Association of Tajikistan” and the League of Women with Disabilities “Ishtirok”. The content of this material is the sole responsibility of the author and does not reflect the point of view of donors.