Blind to Obstacles, Not to Opportunity: Khairul’s Inspiring Quest to Illuminate Education
Khairul Islam: A Beacon of Hope for Visually Impaired Students
Khairul Islam, a visually impaired assistant teacher at South Bholanathpur Government Primary School, is an inspiration to his students and colleagues alike. Despite being born without sight, he has never let his disability hold him back and has instead become a shining example of determination and perseverance.
Khairul’s journey to becoming a teacher was not an easy one. He was born in Basanda village of Sadar Union, Betagi Upazila, to a family of modest means. His father, Mohammad Sikder, is a simple farmer. Despite the challenges he faced, Khairul was determined to pursue his education and eventually passed his eighth standard from Government Visually Impaired School, Barisal.
Khairul went on to pass his high school and higher secondary exams, and later earned a degree in BS from Syed Hatim Ali Government College. He then joined Bholanathpur South Government Primary School as an assistant teacher in 2016, after completing his teacher training from Lalmiya Teachers Training College, Barguna.
Khairul’s teaching style is unique, as he uses Braille to communicate with his students. He is fluent in Braille and is able to teach his students with ease, using a combination of hand gestures and verbal explanations. His students are deeply respectful of him and appreciate his dedication to their education.
Hafiza Akhtar, a fifth-grade student at the school, says, “Sir Khairul does not see eye to eye. And yet he teaches us well like any other sir-ma’am. We have no problems in his class.”
Nadira Parveen, the school’s assistant teacher, adds, “Our colleague Khairul sir taught very beautifully in the classroom even though he was visually impaired. On his own initiative, he brought thematic Braille books from the visually impaired school of Barisal and taught them to the students.”
Bhavaranjan Sikder, the principal of the school, praises Khairul’s dedication and perseverance, saying, “Khairul Islam, who is visually impaired, has been working as an assistant teacher in this school for eight years. A strong will has brought him to this position today. Encouraged by seeing Khairul, three speech-impaired students have received education from this school in recent years and are now studying in college.”
Khairul’s story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Despite the challenges he faced, he has become a successful teacher and an inspiration to his students and colleagues. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and teachers alike.