DIL Inspires Confidence in a Once Disabled Child
Zarka Arshad, a fifth grade student at DIL Community School Pind Malkan Islamabad, was afflicted with polio at a very young age, which left her unable to walk. Consequently, she crawled until the age of eight. Although her sisters were sent to school, Zarka’s parents decided against sending their disabled child to school. They reasoned that she would be a burden both to herself and others. Also, her being a victim of teasing from other children was a concern.
Zarka’s mother would carry her along to the school when she went to pick up her other daughters. The head teacher of the school tried desperately to convince the family to send Zarka to school. Eventually, the teacher was successful and the parents took the responsibility to carry Zarka to school. Her parents were given the incentive of having any school fees waived.
While this alone is a heartfelt testament to the benefits of DIL, there are indirect results that no one could have anticipated. Seeing other students walking, Zarka one day tried to stand by leaning on nearby objects for support. She gained confidence, no doubt inspired by her exposure to education, and Zarka took a few first steps at the age of eight. With continual practice, Zarka is now able to walk. She makes the daily 10-minute walk from home to school with her mother at her side. Now eleven-year-old Zarka participates in all school activities, including assemblies and special events.
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