GOx: A new platform for inspirational people with disabilities in Gaza
Gaza- Yalla Change
Similar to TEDx global event, Yalla Change participants launched the GOX initiative to introduce a new platform for people with disabilities to share their experiences, inspiring stories and discuss the most important obstacles facing their personal, academic or professional life.
GOx event is the first of its kind in the Gaza Strip, directly targeting persons with disabilities, especially giving the absence and decline of tools and platforms to express the reality of persons with disabilities and advocate their causes and rights. This was one of the most important motives behind organizing this event.
The event, which took place at Al-Mathaf Hotel on Tuesday, February 26, showcased the stories of 8 participants, who presented a series of inspirational experiences. The event was attended by a large number of young people, representatives of civil society organizations and youth activists.
Ahmed Al-Sawafiri, one of the participants in the event talked about his journey in overcoming injury from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip in 2008 that coincided with his final secondary examinations. Despite losing his lower limbs and one of his arms, Ahmed talked about his journey toward recovery. It was an inspiring talk about survival and hope despite all odds.
As for Mai Obiad Eid, a computer engineering teacher’s assistant Al-Azhar University, who also works on freelancing sites, talked about her academic journey and stressed from the beginning that the great family support is the main reason for her academic and professional success. She thanked her father who has been a pillar of support and never tired from accompanying her to classes and waiting long hours for her to take her exams.
For Ali Jibril, who suffers from motor disability as a result of a car, sport was the starting point for his community inclusion. In 2013, he joined a sports club after encouragement from family and friends to play wheelchair basketball. This was the start of many tournaments and medals, which culminated in joining the Palestinian national basketball team. Sports turned this shy young man into an athlete wining one medal after another.
Maysoon Zayed gave an emotional experience of suffering from a eye condition, which eventually led to the removal of her right eye and replacing it with a glass eye. Maysoon suffered severe physical pain since childhood and also a psychological pain rooted from her schoolmates making fun of her medical condition. This left a great impact on her but at the same time pushed her forward and gave her the determination and perseverance to pursue her academic excellence, which eventually led to her receiving a B.A in Mathematics. Maysoon’s participation was a strong reminder of the importance of community awareness about disability and combating stigma and negative outlook. it is crucial that we instill principles of equality and integration among all segments of society.
GOx also targeted people working in the disability sector. There was the participation of the occupational therapist Mariam Sarsour, who talked about her experience working with two children with disabilities, until they were included with regular classes in school.
It is worth mentioning that this event is part of a series of initiatives implemented by young people participating in Yalla Change for the second consecutive year.