|
Reda is 18 and lives in Gaza. When she was 8 years old she lost her hearing. Her life changed. At school she no longer could hear the teacher.
Her best friend became her ears repeating the whole lesson to her after school but when her friend decided to study literature, Reda had to give up her love of science.
Although her school referred her to a specialist centre for treatment, the price of a hearing aid was too much for her family to afford.
Her father has severe depression and is unable to work, leaving his wife and eldest daughter to support the family of ten. The income only covers the basic needs of the family – hearing aids are considered a luxury in this part of the world.
But Reda is one of the fortunate ones. Islamic Relief provided her with a hearing aid and with its local partner was able to help her hear again. She is now able to study and look forward to a better future.
“I have an ambition to study nursing so I can help people” she said.
There are over 26,000 Palestinians living with partial or total hearing loss in the Gaza strip an estimated 2 % of the total population, which is an extremely high percentage compared to other countries.
Hearing loss is more prevalent among poor families in Gaza and those living below the poverty line.
The loss of hearing in a conflict zone, makes daily living especially harder.
Deaf children in this conflict area are especially vulnerable. Islamic Relief has provided hearing aids to hundreds of people like Reda.
Find out more about Islamic Relief's Health and Nutrition projects
Find out more about Islamic Relief in Palestine
|