A Young Disabled Girl in Kyrgyzstan Receives Wheelchair

Begimai Ajibaeva was born with hydrocephalus (a condition where too much liquid accumulates in brain cavities, often causing physical and mental disabilities). However, Begimai's condition was not clarified until 2006, and it wasn't until 2007, when Begimai was already 3 years old, that her family was able to arrange an operation to help her.

Begimai is now permanently disabled and unable to walk or sit well on her own, and thus, has been bed-ridden her entire life. Her young mother, Barchin Ajibaeva, has always stayed home to care for Begimai and her younger brother.

Now that Ms. Ajibaeva is in the midst of a divorce, she must work, making it much more difficult to attend to her young children's needs. Nevertheless, she says, "When there are good people nearby me, I will grow by myself." Last year Counterpart International's Humanitarian Assistance program discovered Begimai's need for a wheelchair, and soon provided one.

Of receiving this gift, Ms. Ajibaeva said, "In that difficult moment, I received a wheelchair for my daughter. I have to remember the 7th of November 2008. In the building of Social Protection Department where they took the pictures, I saw other people with disabilities who were very happy that they were not forgotten. It's timely help, since I will be able to go outside with my daughter. I can take her from room to room or with me when I need to [make deliveries]. This wheelchair is a support, reminding me that I am not alone."

Please read more about Counterpart's Humanitarian Assistance Program.

November 7th, 2008 | Tags: commodities, distribution, humanitarian commodities distribution, Kyrgyzstan, Small Reconstruction Project, SRP, wheelchairs | Category: Impact Stories

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