Enoque hails from Angola, a country in Southern Africa known for its rich natural resources and diverse culture. However, the country faced significant challenges due to decades of civil war, leading to economic instability, widespread poverty, and a deeply strained infrastructure. It is estimated that 2.5% of the people in Angola have a disability. This corresponds to 656,258 persons, with 56% being male and 44% female. (source disabilityin.org) Enoque’s brother became disabled after an accident. Seeing him struggling afterwards and passing away inspired Enoque to create an organization that works on empowerment of others who are facing similar challenges. To learn more about Enoque’s remarkable journey, keep reading:
By Enoque de Carvalho
It was Wednesday, the 20th of September 2023. It was 09:30, and the sun had already started to shine its mighty light. My 15-year-old brother Mateus was lying in bed, limited by his disability to move from one place to another. Due to an accident, he could not walk anymore. He had stopped going to school. Playing football, his favorite sport, had become an impossible mission. While in bed, he looked straight into my eyes and said: “Mano, (which means big brother) perhaps my life is becoming challenging day by day. I am afraid that people will start devaluing me because of my disability. Please, can you do something to help me achieve my dreams in life?”
I replied: “I will do all I can to help you go through this challenging time. Your life will never be like it was before, but still, nothing can stop you from being what you want.”
Nine Months Later: The Echo of a Promise
Almost nine months have passed since I had this conversation with my little brother, and his words still echo in my mind as a general in front of the troops giving orders that no one should disobey. In fact, that day I understood what it is to live with a disability every day of your life. I used to ignore people with disabilities in the street, but now I couldn’t anymore. Their struggle became my struggle; their crying became mine, and their achievements became my ultimate dream in life.
On the Streets: Connecting with Angola’s Disabled
With a mission in mind given by my brother, who sadly passed away three months after that conversation, I went out to the streets, schools, churches, and neighborhoods to meet people who face the same problem. This has been a very powerful experience; I literally met supermen and superwomen.
Marisa’s Story: Trust and Transformation
One day, I met a woman called Marisa Miguel Major. Initially, Marisa did not want to talk to me because, as she said: “I am tired of people who come and promise support, but nothing happens. I am tired of those who look at me as a loser, and you look like one of them!!” She concluded.
Maria was 34 years old, and she was not able to walk. I understood that Marisa was looking for someone to trust, someone who could give her hope, which is not easy to find in today’s selfish society. Somehow, she decided to open her heart and trust me. We talked for about 30 minutes, and I was very moved.
Life’s Daily Struggles: Marisa’s Reality
“Were you born like this?” I asked, though sadness took over my eyes.
“No, I wasn’t born like this!!” She replied. I guess she had a flashback to the time when she could still walk. Then she continued: “Look, I had the privilege to walk until I was 19 years old. I used to go to school, dance, and perform. I was preparing to start my university studies in Sumbe, my homeland. My dream was to become an actress. But then I got a tragic disease that messed up my body, messed up my life forever. I left school, lost my job, and my family had not enough money to support my treatment!”
I became curious and wanted to know more about her and how she deals with daily life, but I lacked the courage to ask.
“You can ask any question you want; I will answer! You seem to be a good boy,” she laughed.
“Thank you! I just can’t understand how you manage to get through daily life,” I replied.
“Life itself is a challenge!” she started. “But for us who live with limited physical ability, everything is difficult, starting from the moment you wake up and understand that your disability is still there. Moving from one place to another is also a big problem even in my own house. I live with my sister, but sometimes she is not there for me. So, I must imagine having my legs and hands working; otherwise, nothing will move. The other challenge is earning money. I do not have a job. I have applied for many jobs, but because of my physical condition, employers don’t hire me. And that’s very frustrating!”
Small Acts of Kindness:
While we were talking, many people gathered around watching us. I realized that all that’s needed is a small act to motivate others to make a difference.
“Do you think these people care about you?” I asked her.
“I guess not! Maybe now they will care, because they have seen you talking to me!”
When she said that, a young man approached us and offered her a sweet biscuit, which she appreciated a lot. She couldn’t believe it! Right after this man, other people felt touched to help as well. It was a touching moment. When I was about to leave, she held my right hand and said: “Please, son, wherever you go, do not forget about me. I really need your help.”
To this day, I am still in touch with her. I decided to give my best in kanthari so that once I return from India, I will be able to support her. I’m sure I will.
Paulo’s Resilience: Overcoming Adversity
Marisa is just one of the extraordinary people. Another one is Paulo Antonio, with whom I connected while at Agostinho University in Luanda. Paulo is the personification of resilience. He was born with his disability, but his mother played a crucial role in his studies. As a student, he went through all kinds of sufferings; not having food for several days, not having money to pay for medical treatment. When Paulo was ten, his father lost his job, and they were evicted from their house. At the same time, his mother got sick. No one was there to help, and life got really tough. He said: “This was the time I decided that despite my physical condition, I will not accept being labeled as a failure.” He studied art and entrepreneurship, and with hard work and perseverance, he has been successful in what he does.
A Vision for the Future: Enoque’s Ambitious Plan
Enoque’s plan is to start an organization that helps people with disabilities to get access to education, transportation, and job opportunities. It’s a social platform with tools like a taxi app, books, training modules, and business networking. The aim is to make sure everyone, especially those aged 12 to 30 with mobility issues, finds a profession of their choice and can succeed in life.
learn more about kanthari here
