A Girl Inspiring Tale of Resilience

Abidah, a 12-year-old girl, is currently in the second grade of junior high school. At such a young age, she has already achieved many accomplishments, especially in modeling. Abidah, who is also a child with hearing impairments since birth, has been able to overcome her barriers and even achieve more than other children her age. With the full support of her mother, Abidah has become an inspiring girl for other children. 

"When Abidah was two years old, she couldn't speak at all. I was worried and took her to the hospital. After a series of tests, the doctor found that Abidah had a hearing impairment and was diagnosed as deaf. This was caused by the Toxoplasma virus while she was in the womb. During pregnancy, there were no symptoms at all, so I was very shocked at that time," recalled Ibu Siska, Abidah's mother. 

As a parent, this news broke Ibu Siska’s heart. The doctor recommended that Abidah use a hearing aid and undergo therapy. At that time, Abidah's parents did not have the funds to buy a hearing aid because it was very expensive. However, with hard work, Ibu Siska was finally able to buy the device. "I really wanted Abidah to be like other children. Of course, as a parent, I was worried, whether she could grow up like other children and what Abidah's future would be," she said. 

Of course, this barriers was not initially easy for Abidah and her mother. "I had the most difficulty listening and understanding when the teacher was teaching. Often, I didn't know and wasn't clear what was being said. But, when I asked my friends, they often didn't want to tell me. So I would complain to my mother so that I could sit in front so that the teacher's voice could be heard more clearly," said Abidah. 

Amidst all these challenges, Abidah proved herself capable of becoming a successful child. Initially, Ibu Siska taught Abidah to dance and participate in competitions. As a sponsored child by Wahana Visi Indonesia, Abidah also found a place to grow her talents. She was often invited by WVI to dance in WVI activities with other children. Abidah's skills were sharpen so that she could participate in activities at the Children's Achievement House, established by the Mayor of Surabaya, an initiative for fulfilling children with disabilities’ rights in Surabaya. 

That's where Abidah got to know the world of modeling and she loved it. In addition to learning how to walk and how to pose on the catwalk, Abidah and her mother also learned sign language. Wahana Visi Indonesia continues to support Ibu Siska and Abidah and involves them in various creative channels so that Abidah can continue to excel and develop her talents. Now, Abidah has chosen to focus on the world of modeling and pursue her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. One day, she wants to not only have a career as a model, but also become an makeup and beauty entrepreneur. 

"For my other friends who also have barriers like me, friends who also can't hear, I hope you don't give up. I hope you can hear and speak too, and also find talents and fields that you love," Abidah said. 

Author: Yuventa (Head of Public Engagements and Communication Unit) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)