Community Appraisal and Motivation Programme (CAMP) is a national non-profit and non-governmental organization established and registered in May 2002, under the Societies Act of 1860 (Registration No. 192/5/2946). We work with some of the most underprivileged communities in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan; responding to emergencies, improving access to quality health and education, creating livelihood opportunities and working closely with communities and government departments to promote human rights, peace and security.(Read more about CAMP)

"This was the best gift I could ever get"

Tue, 20/04/2010 - 14:20 — CAMP

"I am Zaib un Nissa, a 25 year old girl living in Shinkai, District Mansehra. My story is not unusual; I got polio at the age of five and the disease affected both my lower limbs.

I live with my parents and use a simple wheel chair for going out of the house. At home, I have gotten used to moving around on my hands.

In 2007, staff from CAMP came to our village. They told us about the Disability Resource Centre, a project set up by CAMP and funded by the Leonard Cheshire Disability (LCD).

My parents and I were very excited to hear about the DRC, which is the first of its kind in our area. The CAMP team gave me physiotherapy and referred me to the nearest skill center for training. I completed a 4 months vocational training course in ladies tailoring and designing, identification of suitable materials, hand embroidery and machine embroidery. I enjoyed learning a new skill and started to realize that despite my disability, there was a lot I could do! The team continued their follow-up with me during the training. After the training CAMP gave me a sewing machine to start my own business. This was the best gift I could ever get!

With my new skills and my shiny new machine, I started making curtains, ready-made clothes and other handicrafts for the local community. On 3 December, World Disability Day, the CAMP-DRC team organized a stall. I put the curtains, readymade clothes and other embroideries on display, and visitors really appreciated our efforts. The district Nazim purchased a curtain for Rs. 5000 (US$ 60) and other international organizations visited the stall and ordered curtains and handicrafts amounting to Rs.20, 000 (US $ 245). After World Disability Day, an international organization 'Handicap International' visited my skill center and conducted a skill-training workshop for women living with disabilities in sewing and tailoring. Handicap International nominated me as President of our local society for women trainers. They also registered me with cottage and small-scale industries.

I am very happy to be able to support my parents and myself. Since I am the only earning member, many of our domestic needs are being met through my work and our quality of life has improved. I also manage to save some money. The community respects me and I hope that all people with disabilities get the same opportunity that I got. I am proud to be a role model for young girls and women in my community. I believe this could not have been possible without the generous support of CAMP-DRC and Leonard Cheshire Disability, and I am always grateful to them for changing my life in so many ways!"