How Bhojraj Defied Adversity to Find His Own Voice

“I have been making more than NPR 20,000 every month from my shop. I spend the money on household expenses and on health, education and nutrition of my younger brother and sister. I thank POWER 4 AY project from the bottom of my heart, for changing my life.” Bhorjaj, 23 years old

23-year-old Bhojraj lives in a humble home with his parents and two younger siblings in the Barahatal Municipality of Surkhet. He belongs to a marginalized ethnic community in a family that struggles through economic hardships. His father, an unskilled wage labourer, was the sole breadwinner of the family. 

Bhojraj attended school up to the fifth grade, but encountered challenges due to hearing problems that began during his childhood. These issues not only affected his hearing but also hindered his speech and ability to communicate effectively. As time passed, his condition deteriorated, culminating in complete hearing loss. 

Bhojraj’s worried parents sought treatment from traditional healers and doctors. However, they were unable to afford proper treatment for their son’s condition. Furthermore, facing ridicule and bullying from his peers due to this situation, Bhojraj ultimately discontinued his education. 

“My hearing problems continued to worsen until one day I could not hear anything anymore. At school, my friends started teasing and bullying me so I dropped out of school and instead stayed at home helping around the house. After I reached 16 years of age, I also started helping my father who worked as a wage laborer in the village” recalls Bhorjaj. 

One day, Bhojraj’s father learned about an opportunity for vocational training designed specifically for youth with physical disabilities from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and marginalized communities. This training initiative is part of the POWER 4 AY Project in collaboration with the Social Awareness Centre, and the Barahatal Municipality in Surkhet. Seeking guidance, he approached the ward chairperson to determine if his son qualified for the program. Bhojraj was then assessed for eligibility and accepted for the training program during a home visit by a team representing the project and the ward office. This news came as a heartwarming beacon of hope to Bhorjaj who had turned his attention from his education towards helping with house chores. 

Along with numerous other young individuals facing similar challenges, Bhojraj received Life Skills training. Foundational to the Project´s process, this training strengthened the youth’s set of skills, competencies, behaviours, attitudes, and personal qualities to enable them to effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well and achieve their goals. From there, the youth progressed to the Start and Improve Your Business training and subsequently Bhojraj underwent vocational training in hair cutting (barbering). 

During the training, despite his physical disabilities posing obstacles to his learning process—rendering him unable to hear or speak —Bhojraj found a means of communication through writing as he did not comprehend sign- language. Leveraging this skill, he effectively interacted with facilitators and fellow participants, successfully completing the training program. 

Armed with his newfound knowledge and skills, Bhojraj launched his own barber shop in the local market. The project team facilitated his venture by providing essential equipment and materials needed for setting up the shop as well as continuous mentoring and technical assistance. 

Meanwhile, a turning point came when the project provided support for a comprehensive medical diagnosis and an assistive device. With this, Bhojraj regained his hearing after enduring many years of impairment. Overwhelmed with joy, he recalls that tears streamed down his face. Witnessing their son’s miraculous recovery, his parents were astounded, unable to comprehend the magnitude of the moment. All the hardships they had endured while seeking treatment for their son suddenly faded away in the light of this incredible transformation. 

Bhorjaj recalls: “After I completed training, the project supported me with equipment and other materials to start a barber shop near my home. The project team would often visit me for business mentoring and other technical support. In the meantime, the project also supported me with the treatment of my physical condition. They took me to the hospital and the doctors checked my ears. Finally, using a hearing aid device, I was able to hear. I can now talk to my family, friends, and customers!” 

With his ability to hear and speak restored, Bhojraj found himself capable of engaging not only with his friends and family but also with customers in his shop. Earning an average of 145 euros per month, he now supports his siblings’ education and contributes to household expenses, marking a signifi cant turnaround in their lives. 

Overcoming disability and economic hardship, Bhojraj has mastered a trade and reclaimed his ability to hear and communicate. His story is not just about personal triumph but also reminds us that with the right opportunities and support, individuals can defy the odds and carve out a brighter future for themselves and their communities.