Asif
“I want to become a social worker to help my own people in my village,” says 22-year-old Asif
“I want to become a social worker to help my own people in my village,” says 22-year-old Asif
Asif was in good health until the age of five. As he grew up, both his legs started to bend. “Day by day it increased but due to ignorance and poverty my parents neglected it.” says Asif.
He studied up to fifth grade in the village primary school and then joined for sixth grade in the neighboring village. But his new school was four kilometers away and he had to walk the distance. “I started getting severe pain in my legs,” says Asif. Despite the pain, he continued his studies. Gradually he started feeling ashamed of his disability, and would shy away from friends and relatives.
Our former client from his village introduced him to OEI. We referred him to a specialist and was diagnosed with Rickets. He underwent corrective surgery for his deformity with the assistance of OEI and was followed up through regular physiotherapy and mobility aids. He stayed at the residential care facility of OEI for more than six months during his post-operative care. His legs were straightened and he could walk without pain. Later, he even started playing cricket with his hostel friends. He felt elated. “I found a new life at the Rehabilitation Center,” claims Asif. “After his recovery he went back to his village and completed his 10th grade. Asif says, “My life was changed; the staff at the project encouraged me to continue with my education. I was thrilled to travel everyday to school independently without any pain”.
Asif always had a dream of becoming a social worker. With Operation Equip India’s assistance, Asif completed his BSW (Bachelors of Social Work). He has now enrolled for his masters in Social Work (MSW).