Kristian Aleshu is a final-year office administration student at the Eenhana VTC, who uses only his right hand for typing and other duties.
The nerves on his left side are dead, but the young man is determined to type even faster with his one working hand.
The 28-year-old Aleshu became disabled in 2006 when he was in grade 5. But he did not lose hope and continued with his studies, completing grade 12 at Oshakati SSS, and is now he in his last year at the Eenhana VTC.
He narrated his ordeal to Youth Corner, saying: “Just after returning from school, I felt a headache. The next day, I couldn’t lift anything. The third day I woke up, and my left side was paralysed. My eyes were open, but I couldn’t see”.
“I felt bad, especially when I was at the hospital trying to walk along the wall to maintain balance. Since then, I only use one hand. My nerves on my left side are dead, and it’s really bad.”
Despite the challenges, Aleshu started learning computers at home when he was in grade 8, and then decided to do office administration because it is the course he is comfortable with.
“I had a dream of gaining knowledge of operating printers and computers so that I could start printing and designing. As a proud product of NTA (Namibia Training Authority), we are raised to create job opportunities.”
Aleshu is thankful to God that he is still alive and able to do everything with his right arm, although sometimes he gets exhausted to use only one hand.
He believes God has a plan for everybody, and he is thus willing to work, help his son, family and get married to his future wife.
“Being disabled is not easy, but don’t tell your mind that you are disabled. People with disabilities should be free to participate towards their dreams.”
Aleshu added that people with disabilities need to be visited, taken care of, and helped to identify their dreams so that they can follow their dreams.
“We should never stop following our dreams, despite our conditions. Let’s love disabled people, and never discriminate against them. Your success depends on your deep willingness to become somebody.”