Wedad Almarimi

Few things are as heart-wrenching as witnessing a parent's response when you tell them it's too late to treat their child, and the prospects for a favorable treatment outcome are bleak.

My name is Wedad Almarimi, a specialist in special education and child rights activist.

Twenty-five years ago, I began my journey at a public institution for children with disabilities, unveiling an entirely different world. Meeting these children and their parents, living with daily challenges hindering their lives and education, deeply impacted me. I founded my own center, convinced these children were my life's purpose.

Transitioning into the private sector, and taking on personal responsibility, was daunting. My family's patience and encouragement empowered me to persist. Meeting my parents' expectations fueled my dedication, leading me to Egypt for further training.

Despite my achievements, I remained devoted to educating mothers about early intervention. This drive gave birth to the "Artaqi Biabni - Rise Up With My Child" awareness initiative. It spread across 35 cities, training over 200 mothers to use the Portage program at home. Challenges were present, but the dedication of volunteers and the nurturing assistance of mothers fueled the campaign's success.

I hold hope for our country's settlement and growth, envisioning our campaign reaching all Libyan cities, spawning more child-centric initiatives. This could prompt those in power to focus on these marginalized groups, working diligently to enhance the competence of national personnel in public centers.