The Story
Asif enjoyed good health until the age of five, but as he grew older, he developed a deformity in both his legs. Due to ignorance and poverty, his parents neglected the condition, causing it to worsen over time. Asif attended primary school in his village up to the fifth grade before moving to a neighboring village for sixth grade. However, the four-kilometer journey to his new school on foot caused him severe leg pain. Despite the pain, Asif persevered in his studies, but he gradually began to feel ashamed of his disability, withdrawing from friends and relatives.
Fortunately, a former client from his village introduced Asif to OEI, which led to a specialist diagnosing him with Rickets. With the support of OEI, he underwent corrective surgery for his deformity and received regular physiotherapy and mobility aids. During his post-operative care, Asif stayed at OEI’s residential care facility for over six months, witnessing his legs straightening and regaining the ability to walk without pain. His newfound mobility even allowed him to play cricket with his hostel friends, bringing him great joy. Asif expressed his gratitude, stating that he had found a new life at the Rehabilitation Center.
After recovering, Asif returned to his village and completed his 10th grade, crediting the encouragement from the project staff for changing his life and motivating him to pursue his education. He delighted in being able to travel to school independently every day, free from any pain or limitations. Asif had always dreamed of becoming a social worker, and with the assistance of Operation Equip India, he successfully completed his BSW (Bachelors of Social Work) degree. Currently, he has enrolled in a master’s program in Social Work (MSW), taking significant steps towards fulfilling his aspirations.
