Graduating from a mainstream university in 2024, Zainab became the first deaf member of her family to earn a university degree. But this triumph came after years of struggle…
Zainab’s journey began at Deaf Reach Hyderabad in 2008, where she learned in her language, Pakistan Sign Language, and gained the confidence to dream big. These tools became her lifeline when she stepped into university for her Bachelor’s in Communication at Shaheed Allah Bux University of Art and Heritage. With no interpreter in a hearing environment, her communication was limited to superficial conversations with her classmates and she felt extremely lonely.
But, through the education she gained at Deaf Reach and her mother’s constant support, Zainab proved that when deaf students have a strong foundation, they can succeed against all odds. Today, she is preparing to return to the classroom, this time as a teacher at Deaf Reach Hyderabad, ready to guide others as she was once guided at Deaf Reach.
Zainab’s achievement reflects what every deaf person is capable of. The issue isn’t deafness; it’s the systemic lack of access to education and resources for the Deaf community.
For every Zainab who reaches university, countless others are left behind. Sign language instruction leads to improved language acquisition and literacy, supporting early development, educational attainment, and long-term success.
This International Week of Deaf People, help us take a step closer to a world where sign language rights are recognized as human rights so that every student like Zainab can achieve their dreams! https://deafreach.com/donate/
