A deaf girl in Herat has created educational opportunities for dozens of other deaf girls and boys.
Neither she nor her students can speak, so they communicate using sign language.
Roqia Ahmadi, 24, lost her hearing due to illness when she was two years old and was deprived of education in the eleventh grade.
She says, “When schools were open before, I was very happy and studied; but now I teach my students, paint in my free time, and also sew.”
Ahmadi teaches the Quran, Persian language, and mathematics to nine deaf girls and boys.
Mariza Ahmadi, Roqia’s mother, says, “I am proud of my daughter and happy that she is active. She is not dependent on others, is a teacher herself, does her own work, and teaches at the disabled people’s institute.”
Ali Reza Rasouli, the head of the Disabled Association in Jebriel Town, Herat, says, “Ms. Ahmadi is one of our competent teachers and has been working with us for nearly five years. She has taught sign language to many students.”
After being deprived of education, Roqia learned painting and sewing. This deaf girl strives to give hope to other deaf girls and boys.