Doaa Ghazal is 24 years-old and lives in Gaza. She has five brothers and four sisters. She and her dad and four of her siblings share a life challenge: they were born deaf.
But as the second deaf child in the family, Doaa says communicating was easier because the family was already accustomed to sign language. And pursuing her education goals was also made easier, thanks to the Atfaluna Society for the Deaf in Gaza, which Anera has supported for decades.
Under Anera’s education program, Doaa Ghazal’s education at Atfaluna was fully financed. Signing through an interpreter, Doaa explains what that education has meant.
“Without the education I received at Atfaluna, I wouldn’t be able to even step out of my home. I would have feared everything because I cannot hear what’s around me. But education helped me confront the challenges and gave me courage to adjust my abilities into something valuable.”
Doaa’ says the encouragement of her family to achieve her life goals has been vital to her endeavors as a teacher. “Now, all of my siblings hold degrees and have education.”
Atfaluna recognized her intelligence and persistence and when she graduated the school invited her to stay and teach. The staff says it made sense. After all, they noted, who could better prepare the youngsters for the world outside than someone who had gone through the same experiences. They are proud that Doaa has become a role model for deaf youngsters.
“I am building my experience every day. Sometimes I assist my colleagues in teaching English and math as well my course in social science,” Doaa explains. “I have a great passion for teaching and for learning.”
Doaa says one of her daily challenges is to stimulate and inspire students in her classroom, where the skill levels differ. “I try to make sure the children leave class satisfied with what they’ve learned. And, when I have doubts, I discuss it all with my father, someone I trust deeply, before I go to bed.”
Atfaluna recognized her intelligence and persistence and when she graduated the school invited her to stay and teach. The staff says it made sense. After all, they noted, who could better prepare the youngsters for the world outside than someone who had gone through the same experiences. They are proud that Doaa has become a role model for deaf youngsters.
“I am building my experience every day. Sometimes I assist my colleagues in teaching English and math as well my course in social science,” Doaa explains. “I have a great passion for teaching and for learning.”
Doaa says one of her daily challenges is to stimulate and inspire students in her classroom, where the skill levels differ. “I try to make sure the children leave class satisfied with what they’ve learned. And, when I have doubts, I discuss it all with my father, someone I trust deeply, before I go to bed.”
