Kazoly’s ambitions brought her independence and acceptance
In the Rangpur district of Bangladesh, the needle of Kazoly’s sewing machine is a blur, darting up and down as requests for alterations come in. Today she is thriving, but Kazoly had to overcome incredible prejudice to get here.
Born with complete deafblindness, Kazoly had a challenging start to her life. Unable to afford medical treatment, her family supported their baby daughter as best they could. With their love, Kazoly learned to walk independently, identify different family members from their smell and to express her need for food.
But life was hard. Communication difficulties lead to tensions with neighbours; Kazoly was bullied, shunned and eventually locked away out of sight. The isolation took a heavy toll, she became withdrawn, and her hard-won skills faded away.
The outside world grew distant.
Finding support from Sense International
In 2020 a visiting Deafblind Field Educator from Sense International was undertaking a community survey in Rangpur. Hearing about Kazoly, the Field Educator built a relationship with her family and gradually started working with her – creating an individual education plan, introducing tactile language and getting access to much needed financial support.
After four months of support, Kazoly knew simple signs such as ‘father, mother, brother, sister’. such as ‘father’, ‘mother’ and ‘I am going for a walk’. Soon she had the confidence to start venturing out again.
Determined to defy expectations
Kazoly’s desire to learn and expand her horizons had been ignited. Despite being mocked for her ambitions, she enrolled on a skill development programme and took up an apprenticeship. She quickly silenced her critics by learning how to operate a sewing machine and tailor clothing.
After six months of training, Kazoly and her sister-in-law set up a dress-making business. Her strength and determination to take control of her life have transformed how she is seen within her community. No longer ridiculed or bullied, she is respected and admired by those around her.
Today, Kazoly is independent of her family. She’s proved that hope and perseverance can lead to positive change, even in the toughest of circumstances. Her family is proud of what she has achieved and are much more confident about her future.
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