Poh Pi, 28, developed polio when he was four months old. In addition to his delayed development as a child, his legs were deformed and he couldn't walk normally. He's now living along the Thai-Burmese border where Handicap International helps Burmese refugees with disability issues by improving the access of refugee communities to facilities and basic services.

Like many disabled persons, Poh Pi encountered some difficulties during his school years. “When I was a student, I didn't enjoy school life. My schoolmates always teased and hurt me, but I was constantly encouraged by my mother, and her words kept me going. After I graduated from the school, I couldn't find a job, nobody wanted to hire a disabled person. So I just helped my mother with her house work.”

The young man described how his meeting with the Handicap International team changed his life: “One day, I was visited by people from Handicap International. They informed me about the vocational training that was being made available in the camps by ZOA*. They explained the course to me and encouraged me to apply, since the course was open to everyone, including persons with disabilities. My relatives and family were supportive of my decision to do the vocational training, but some of my neighbours questioned my ability. I did not answer any of their questions. Instead, I said to myself that the best answer would be to prove it, and that in time I would prove my ability.”

Handicap International managed to get Poh Pi enrolled on the training course. He has now  embarked upon a five-month vocational course in agriculture. “I am very happy to have been included on the training course; I have learnt how to plant in a limited area, how to feed and breed cat fish etc. In the morning, we have practical sessions during which I work in the field. I am responsible for animal feeding and planting. In the afternoon, we have theory classes.”

Poh Pi still feels that other people look at him strangely, but he doesn't mind. He's now confident about his future. “During the training course, some people stop and stare at me, some people admire me, while others look at me in disbelief: how can he work if he is disabled? I am not angry with them. I am determined to complete my training and whenever I feel down, I always tell myself that if others can do that, so can I! And I will prove it!”

^{*ZOA (Refugee Care) is a NGO, from Netherlands, that supports refugees, displaced people and victims of a conflict and natural disasters.}