Goto main content

“I’d given up hope of living a normal life again"

Rehabilitation
Occupied Palestinian Territory

Ahmed, 16, was injured by a bullet in the leg. Bedridden, he felt very lonely. Now HI is helping him to live a normal life again, like any other teenager. 

Ahmad is care managed by HI's mobile team of partners in Gaza

Ahmad is care managed by HI's mobile team of partners in Gaza | © HI / Abedelrahman Abu Hassanien

Bullet wound 

Ahmad was hit by a bullet below his right knee. It happened close to the border and he was rushed to hospital where he had four operations. Alone in bed, he was too afraid to use crutches, and his mother had to help him do everyday tasks. The teenager lives on the fourth floor, without a lift, so even the shortest journey was a challenge.

Loneliness 

Ahmad withdrew into himself after his injury. He wanted to be alone so his family would not see that he was weak and unable to move. He sank into a depression and spent the Eid holidays away from his loved ones. He missed his family very much. 

Talking “like they do in the films"

He now receives visits from a partner mobile team supported by HI. Their priority is to make sure he’s able to get out of bed and move around, and to do everyday tasks unaided and completely independently. The team began by teaching him to use the crutches given to him by HI. 
This enabled Ahmad to return to school just two weeks after he was discharged from hospital. He can now put on his shoes alone and sees his family and friends again. The psychological assistance, also provided by the partners supported by HI, has put a smile back on his face and restored his confidence. Ahmad wants to be a civil engineer again and to improve his English, to talk “like they do in the films".

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Andrew Aziz

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

In Bangladesh, Roshida’s long road to recovery
© HI
Rehabilitation

In Bangladesh, Roshida’s long road to recovery

Roshida, a Rohingya refugee, lost her independence after a stroke left half her body paralyzed. With sustained rehabilitation support from HI, she began to recover.

Lyudmyla, aged 63, has experienced 10 years of war
© Liubov Hutsul / HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Lyudmyla, aged 63, has experienced 10 years of war

Lyudmyla, aged 63, fled her village on the front line after years of shelling, injury and loss.

Child with disabilities Basheer’s life shattered by bombs
© Khalil Nateel / HI
Emergency Inclusion

Child with disabilities Basheer’s life shattered by bombs

Basheer is 11 years old. His story shows what life is like for children with disabilities under bombardment. It also shows how NGOs, like HI, work to make their lives more normal.