Disabled

Ten percent of the population, some three million Moroccans are disabled.

Many poor employ handicapped family members to beg for them. A common image is a beggar exposing his handicap to passers-by. This role is deeply rooted in the Islamic belief that almsgiving improves a person's acceptance before God. A handicap is considered a destiny to be accepted without complaint.

This thinking has recently begun to change under King Mohammed VI. There is a new awareness of the needs of the handicapped in society. Many associations are now trying to obtain help through international organizations or Moroccan governmental agencies.

In spite of these efforts there are still tremendous challenges and an enormous lack of medical assistance and equipment such as wheel chairs, prostheses, etceteras. Many physically disabled are left to crawl on the ground and live in great poverty and indignity. Regular schools do not accept the majority of handicapped children and there are only a handful of specialized schools in the country. Most stay at home and receive no instruction.

For those who obtain an education, the challenge arises again in the search for employment. Few are willing to employ a disabled person, even one who is fully able to perform the particular job and holds all the necessary diplomas.

"Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." Isaiah 35:6

"At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame." Zephaniah 3:19

Pray for continued change in the mentality of the Moroccan people.
Pray for financial support for associations willing to provide material help.
Pray for schools for handicapped children to be established in every large city.
Pray for efforts by King Mohammed VI and his government to help the handicapped.

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مواقع عربية