23-year-old Zohair Abo Elkheir lives in Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip. His house was seriously damaged during the conflict and he is now living in a small rented house with seven other members of his family.
Zohair suffers from muscular dystrophy and has to use a wheelchair. “One day I was playing football with my friends,” said Zohair, “and I felt weak and fell. I was 11 years old and the doctors said I had muscular dystrophy.”
“After I became ill I got depressed and felt very lonely,” said Zohair. “I didn’t want to continue school or see my friends or family. But my father insisted that I go out and eventually I accepted my situation. I finished secondary school and then went on to university where I have friends who helped me.”
Zohair is one of 560 graduates who Islamic Relief is helping through our job creation project. Unemployment in Gaza stands at more than 42 per cent and poverty has deepened since the last conflict. Even educated young people like Zohair struggle to make a living. This programme that is funded by SIDA has given graduates like Zohair the opportunity to gain three months paid employment.
Zohair is now working with the Medical Relief Association. He said, “Through my work I feel that I am a part of society. I hope that society can change its views regarding people with disabilities because we can do so many things.”
“I am really happy because my work has given me the chance to communicate with other people, to understand other people and to be productive. I wish that I could repeat these last three months and thank Islamic Relief for this opportunity.”