There are currently over 1.5 million mentally disabled people in Egypt, and although the government has placed a high priority on disability, current facilities only assist about 10% of all disabled people. In response, Islamic Relief established the Early Intervention Resource Centre (EIRC) to help mothers of young disabled children like Mariam to develop their abilities and provide the much needed support to families. The resource centre also provides guidance to paediatricians, health professionals, community health workers and others who work with disabled children.

As part of the support from the EIRC, the family attended awareness sessions that enabled them to “accept our children, know their abilities, deal with them, be proud of them and introduce them to people with pride and love” says Mariam’s mother. She also learned how to read and write.

“Now, I accept my daughters and I am really happy with them” Mariam’s mother adds. “Before coming to the centre I was in a stage of shock and I used to feel ashamed. But the awareness seminars helped me to change my feelings.

Because of the impact of the EIC, the family’s life has dramatically changed. Now after getting up in the morning, Mariam goes to the bathroom and washes her hands and face independently. She helps with the housework and the preparation of breakfast and plays with her new sister Amal. Amal like Mariam also has disabilities and needs to wear a hearing aid.

Nonetheless, the situation and outlook for the family has greatly improved. “I feel that I can now support my children much better and can face their difficulties. I feel happy about my life, my husband and my children” Mariam’s mother states.