Breaking barriers: Khaled’s journey of resilience and success

By Stephanie Boustany, Project, Research and Communications Specialist & Hoda EL Nahlawy, Communication Associate

December 3, 2024

Khaled Khachfeh, a 51-year-old from Lebanon, experienced a life-changing car accident in 1999 that left him paralyzed in his lower limbs. Despite this profound challenge, Khaled refused to let his disability define him. Determined to overcome the obstacles in his path, he embarked on an inspiring journey of self-reinvention.

Turning Challenges into Success

Nearly a decade after the accident, Khaled decided to pursue higher education in Political and Administrative Sciences at the Lebanese University. Year after year, he ranked first in his class, ultimately graduating as the top student in 2011.

However, his exceptional academic achievements were met with barriers when it came to pursuing further specialization due to limitations imposed by his health condition. Yet, he remained undeterred, setting his sights on new goals. In 2020, he participated in the National Debates Competition, winning the championship and earning a Certificate of Appreciation, a moment that reaffirmed his resolve to break down barriers and redefine success.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

In 2023, Khaled learned about the FutureSkills4All initiative, that was launched by The United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (UNDP RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF). Recognizing the programme’s potential to transform his life, he joined with hope in his heart.

“For the first time, I felt a sense of equality and hope,” Khaled recalls. Through this inclusive programme, he gained access to personal and professional growth opportunities, giving him the confidence to pursue his ambitions.

Through the programme, Khaled earned a Soft Skills badge and certifications in areas like Creative Thinking, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Delivering High-Quality Work. His achievements culminated in being awarded as a FutureSkills4All Best Learner and attending the prestigious 2024 Knowledge Summit in Dubai, an experience he describes as life-changing.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

These milestones have redefined Khaled’s outlook on life. Once hesitant to voice his opinions, he now thrives on sharing his ideas and collaborating with others. His newfound skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving have empowered him to envision and plan projects from inception to execution.

“Success comes at a price, and overcoming challenges makes it even more rewarding,” says Khaled. His achievements not only inspire others with disabilities but also challenge societal perceptions of what is possible.

Advocating for Change

Khaled’s journey has also fueled his advocacy. In Lebanon, he has observed gaps in implementing laws and agreements that protect the rights of persons with disabilities, especially in employment.

He proposes a groundbreaking idea: make international aid and grants contingent on hiring persons with disabilities. This initiative, he believes, would ensure access to both education and employment, fostering inclusion and creating pathways for success.

A Message of Hope

Khaled’s story is more than a personal triumph; it’s a message of hope and resilience for people with disabilities worldwide. His journey exemplifies how determination, combined with the right opportunities, can transform lives and inspire communities to break down barriers and embrace inclusion.

As Khaled continues to defy limits, his story serves as a reminder that success is not just about individual achievement—it’s about paving the way for others to dream, achieve, and thrive.

This year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities focuses on "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future".

Khaled’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education, showing how persons with disabilities can be integral to their communities and lead the way toward an inclusive future, building forward better.