Kabul woman with disability teaches dozens of children from home

KABUL: Khair-ul-Nesa Shahzad, a resident of Kabul's Dar-ul-Aman area originally from Parwan province's Sarkh Parsa district, has overcome physical disabilities caused by a childhood illness to teach 43 children from her home.

Shahzad fell severely ill with a high fever while in fourth grade, leading to numbness throughout her body and an 18-day coma. After treatment, she regained partial movement in her hands up to the wrists and in her feet, but lacks mobility from wrists to fingers despite retaining sensation, she said.

Supported by her family, Shahzad continued her education, graduating from Rokhshana High School in solar year 1395 and studying public administration for two years at a private institute. Her teachers encouraged her to focus on studying despite her inability to write, and she performed household chores with her feet.

After the Islamic Emirate regained control in solar year 1400, Shahzad faced temporary unemployment and turned to handicrafts before starting a home-based course. She now teaches Holy Quran, science, and English to students, many from low-income families, at reduced fees. The class began with 12 students and grew through word-of-mouth.

"Disability is not a limitation," Shahzad said, crediting her success to perseverance, parental support, and faith. Families value the safe and convenient learning environment at her home.

Her father, Haji Sher Mohammad Mohammadi, recalled the illness striking in solar year 1384 shortly after his own father's death. "We tried very hard with limited means," he said, insisting she continue education even if using a wheelchair. He described their family as middle-class, with Shahzad as the eldest child.

Shahzad aspires to become an English teacher and translator.