“I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to help others”
Mariam Jaafar has been a physiotherapist in the Cap Anamur aid project in Lebanon since mid-2020.
Two physiotherapists treat children with disabilities in Sidon, Lebanon
In our physiotherapy practice in Sidon, Lebanon we treat children with mental or physical disabilities. Two physiotherapists care for up to 20 children daily. Mariam Jaafar joined our team as a therapist in August 2020 and most recently worked with Mohamad, a two-year-old boy with Down syndrome.
An interview with our physiotherapist Mariam:
Why don’t you tell us about your work with Mohamad?
“The last patient we discharged is a 2-year-old boy, named Mohamad, who has Down syndrome. When Mohamad came to us he could barely crawl, he showed no signs of balance, not even sitting, he sometimes stood but needed support to do so. In 8 months, he has learned to walk, go up and down stairs (by holding on), stand on one leg (by holding on), and kick a ball. In the process, he has almost become self-sufficient.
The hardest part was that he has an attention deficit and is very stubborn; this made it difficult to follow a disciplined work plan and the work was definitely a challenge. He never wanted to do what was asked of him and got bored very quickly. So I always had to be creative and come up with games that would serve the purpose of the exercise, like looking for and collecting balls around the room, racing against his mother (first with the walker and then alone).”
What do you associate with the work for Cap Anamur?
“It’s definitely a challenge. It’s never the case that you can follow a consistent treatment plan. Every patient is different, even if they are diagnosed with the same disability, their development and response to treatment are completely different. You always have to prepare well and be creative. What is always exciting, however, is the first meeting with the boys and girls. Most of them have already been to so many doctors and physiotherapists that they start screaming when they see me in my white work coat, which they directly associate with pain. It is then my job to first create a nice atmosphere for them in which they feel comfortable. Fortunately, this always works out well.
Fun is also a big part of the job. The kids are always so sweet and funny, and we as colleagues all have a very good relationship.
And, of course, working on this project is an opportunity for your own personal development. Working with people in need and hearing their stories when they often express their need makes me realize how good I actually have it. You then learn to appreciate the little things in life more and you realize how good you have it yourself.”
Can you tell us about special moments in your work?
“My first day on the job was a special moment. My dream has always been to be part of a relief project. I personally think that a person’s dignity lies in being there for others. So I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to help others, and to see smiles on hopeful faces every day.
I always feel happy when I get to witness a child’s first accomplishments and developmental progress – the first turn, head lift, first crawl, first step – with their parents. The joy you see in the parents’ eyes is priceless, and you have the comforting feeling that none of the hard work was in vain.
When the children smile at me or laugh with me, or when the parents tell me that their child has been waiting impatiently until he or she can finally join us in 2 or 3 days. This motivates me to do my best.”