In a state that still has a long way to go in providing even the basic rights for people with disabilities, a deaf girl from West Khasi Hills put any doubters in their place by securing first division in the recent SSLC examinations.
Khularin Mawlieh, of Mawkhmahwir village, is a student of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in Upper New Nongstoin.
Born with the disability, her mother, Bleris Mawlieh, is her greatest support.
“She was born with the disability and could not walk until the age of 13,” Bleris told Highland Post.
It was only after plenty of sunshine and medicine that the girl could finally walk and Khularin then began schooling at the Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre in Umiam, Ri-Bhoi.
Coming from a poor family, none of Khularin’s eight siblings went to school as Bleris, a single mother, could not afford it.
“She topped her classes right from nursery level till Class 8,” Bleris said, adding that her daughter did face failures during her school days but she persevered.
Khularin then gained admission to NIOS and continued to study with tenacity and determination, cleared the SSLC examination and secured first division with 61.2 percent, her proud mum informed. Khularin will now continue her studies in Nongstoin.
“I could only support Khularin because she is a special child who could neither talk nor hear. I have always thought of putting her in a convent school but admission is costly and I could not afford it,” Bleris said.
Khularin, for her part, praised her mum for all the help and support she has given and she said she is eager to continue with her studies.
