Background

In the heart of Mazar-e-Sharif, amidst the bustle of the marketplace, a young man named Hassan speaks with his hands. At 23 years old, he has been Deaf and mute since birth. This silence, however, has not been a barrier to his hard work and ambition; instead, his hands have become a language of skill, determination, and hope.

Hassan grew up learning the craft of bicycle repair from his father, working for years as an apprentice in the family shop. But as his father grew older and resources remained scarce, the dream of having his own independent workshop seemed distant and unattainable.

“I learned my profession from my father — my hands were skilled, but my pockets were empty. My financial situation was so weak that I couldn’t stand on my own feet. That was my biggest problem: I had the skills, but no capital.”

The Beginning of Change
In 2024, the launch of the WE-LEAD project in Mazar-e-Sharif created a new opportunity for Hassan and many others. This project, implemented by Harakat with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), was established to foster the economic and social empowerment of women and persons with disabilities through the formation of Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs).

Through his neighbors, Hassan learned about and joined a local savings group called “Tablosazan” (The Sign-Makers). This 16-member group is composed mostly of individuals who, like Hassan, face speech challenges. The group has developed a unique system to navigate its communication challenges. The group secretary, Mr. Shafaq, who is also Deaf, serves as the sign language instructor for the members. Meanwhile, another member, Haseeb, acts as the translator and communication bridge between the group and the wider community.

The members of the “Tablosazan” group save 30 AFN each month. These small savings, backed by the support of the WE-LEAD project, accumulate into a shared loan fund. This fund, established with an $800 seed capital grant from the WE-LEAD project, was designed to empower members just like Hassan. Through his regular contributions, Hassan was able to secure a loan of 5,000 AFN from the group’s fund.

“When I heard about Harakat’s saving groups, I joined one. I started saving little by little until I became eligible for a loan. That loan was like a new beginning for me. Before, my hands were tied and I couldn’t do anything, but with that money, I was finally able to start my own work.”

Achieving Independence
For Hassan, this amount was a golden opportunity to take his first step toward independence.

“With the money I received, I went straight to the market and bought all the tools I needed. Now, with this small capital, I’m trying step by step to grow my small business.”

He invested the entire loan in purchasing a new set of bicycle repair tools and equipment, and he has now transformed a section of his father’s shop into his own independent workspace. Today, Hassan not only works for himself but has also expanded his business to refurbish and sell old bicycles.

The story of Hassan and the “Tablosazan” group is living proof of the power of collaboration and targeted support. In silence, with their hands, they have set in motion not only the wheels of bicycles but also the wheels of their own lives. This experience demonstrates that when individuals are provided with opportunity, trust, and training, even the greatest limitations can become a source of motivation for progress and inspiration.
Hassan is now recognized as a successful example of the empowerment of persons with disabilities and hopes to train more apprentices in the future, sharing his experience with others. His powerful journey of transformation led to his selection as one of the 10 official success stories documented by the project, showcasing the tangible impact of WE-LEAD in northern Afghanistan.

“This is just the beginning. I will continue saving. My next goal is that if our group progresses and I can get a bigger loan, I will expand my business. I want not only to repair bicycles but also to start buying and selling spare parts.”