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Marking the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities

As we commemorate the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, we celebrate stories of resilience, empowerment, and hope. One such inspiring journey is that of Omar Kafi Dokaun, a 36-year-old refugee who has overcome significant challenges to build a brighter future for himself and his family in South Sudan.

Omar arrived in Ajuong Thok, South Sudan, in 2013, fleeing conflict and seeking safety. Located in the Ruweng Administrative Area, Ajuong Thok is part of a broader refugee settlement established to support those displaced by violence, particularly from the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.

This settlement provides essential services, including shelter, education, and vocational training, to help refugees rebuild their lives.

Recently, the area has also seen an influx of refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan that began in 2023, further highlighting its role as a critical sanctuary for displaced populations.

With a disability affecting his leg, he initially struggled to find work to support his family, which includes his two wives and ten children. “When I arrived in Ajuon Thok, I was not able to do any work because of my leg disability,” Omar recalls. However, his life began to change with the support of the DRC.

One of the first steps in Omar’s journey was receiving a wheelchair from DRC. “The wheelchair has made a significant change in my life,” he explains.

It provided him with the mobility to seek manual work and support his family. Omar resolved to improve his situation and achieve financial independence.

Eager to pursue this goal, Omar took another step forward in 2019 when he joined the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Ajoung Thok.

At the VTC, he enrolled in a garment-making and welding course, which offered him practical skills to pursue his goals.

Despite the challenges of balancing his family responsibilities and his studies, Omar committed himself wholeheartedly to the training.

By December 2019, he graduated from the program and received start-up kits to help him establish his own business.

Now my life has changed; it is not like when I first came into the camp

Omar Kafi Dokaun a refugee from Sudan living in Ajuong Thok, South Sudan

With the skills and tools acquired from the VTC, Omar launched his own welding shop. This marked a turning point in his life.

The welding shop not only provides financial stability for his family but also serves as an example for others in the community, demonstrating the possibilities that determination and support can achieve and create new opportunities for their future.

Omar’s journey highlights how personalized support and targeted programs can enable persons living with disabilities to overcome barriers and lead independent, fulfilling lives.

These programs provide more than just material support; they offer individuals the confidence and skills to transform their lives.

Omar’s success was made possible through the ongoing collaboration with UNHCR, which supports DRC’s programs in South Sudan to ensure displacement affected populations have access to opportunities to achieve independence, improve their quality of life and live with dignity.

However, Omar’s story is not just about his personal triumph. It’s a reminder of the need for inclusive approaches that address the structural barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

Initiatives like the VTC are vital in fostering self-reliance and building stronger, more inclusive communities. They empower individuals to challenge stereotypes, break cycles of dependency, and contribute meaningfully to society.

As we observe this special day, let us reflect on the importance of inclusion and equity. Every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the potential to contribute to their communities when given the right tools and opportunities.

Omar’s story emphasizes the profound impact of meaningful support and perseverance in overcoming barriers and creating opportunities for a better future.