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It was not an ordinary day for Baraa, 38, when she was finally able to move around her home without assistance. Since birth, Baraa has suffered from cerebral palsy, which affected her ability to move. Simple daily activities were a challenge, requiring constant support from her mother or brother. For years, she remained confined within the walls of her home, as going outside—to the street or even the nearby garden—was an exhausting ordeal for both her and her family.
Determined to improve her situation, her family saved a small sum of money and bought a wheelchair. However, their joy was short-lived, as Baraa could not manoeuvre it alone, leaving her dependent on others.
“We applied for support hoping to get an electric wheelchair,” says Baraa’s mother. A few days later, a United Nations Development Programme team assessed her situation and eligibility to benefit from the Mobility Aids Distribution Project, funded by the United Nations Joint Programme.
“We never expected a quick response, but one morning, they asked us to visit the project centre, and when we arrived, it was a dream come true! Baraa was given an electric wheelchair. I could not believe it,” said Baraa’s mother.
When Baraa sat in her new wheelchair, her face lit up with joy. The trainer taught her how to operate it, and the moment she realized she could move freely, she began rolling back and forth, making up for lost time.
This wheelchair was not just a mobility device but a gateway to a new life. Baraa’s entire outlook changed—she now wakes up eager to go outside, excited to visit the garden and stroll down the street, whereas she once refused to leave the house due to her exhausting struggle. The project has transformed her daily routine, bringing a sense of freedom and independence that was once unimaginable.
Baraa is one of 72 people with disabilities who received mobility aids tailored to their needs through this initiative. The project not only transformed the lives of these individuals but also had a ripple effect on their families and communities. It also provided 50 solar power systems to ensure the continuous operation of these electric wheelchairs, demonstrating the project's commitment to sustainability and long-term impact.
