Toyeebah Suemae was born with a limb disability but that has never stopped her from carrying on with her life. She faced life's struggles despite her physical impairment and recently graduated with a bachelor's degree, with the support from the IT Projects created under the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
"Without the Princess' IT Projects, a lot of people with disabilities, including myself, would have ended up having no chance to receive an education or get a job. We are so fortunate and feel so grateful for the Princess' kindness," said Toyeebah.
The 24-year-old native of Narathiwat province has been accompanied since childhood by her younger sister Sofia Suemae. The two girls have never been apart. Sofia is like Toyeebah's limbs and Toyeebah is a voice for her sister. Their father died when Toyeebah was two years old. They were both raised by their mother.
Even though the family was without a husband and father, Toyeebah was treated by her mother as a normal child. She was taught how best to sit and move from one place to another while in a sitting position. Fortunately, Toyeebah had sound cognitive development and was thus able to communicate with others normally.
Toyeebah started her education in kindergarten when she was studying at Ban Plakpla School. When she reached the age of five, she met Dirok Siriwallop, a Narathiwat native and interpreter to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was responsible for provincial public affairs at that time. Dirok introduced the case of Toyeebah to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Toyeebah's sister Sofia helps her put on make-up.
Established in 1995, the Princess' IT Projects allow people with disabilities to learn, work and be accepted by universities and workplaces across the country. The objective of the project is to enhance the quality of life, improve the education of and increase employment opportunities for the disadvantaged and furthermore to empower them to benefit from an increased use of IT so they can participate fully in the economic and social development of the country. At the very least, the Princess hopes they can use technology to earn a living once they complete their compulsory education.
Pairash Thajchayapong, assistant director of the Committee of the IT Projects, noted that the story of Toyeebah is a true example of someone turning a crisis into an opportunity. And this, he said, can be a model for other provinces which should follow suit in learning to support the needy.
"By allowing the disabled to work with the able-bodied, we can help others in a more appropriate and quicker way," he said.
Toyeebah's story is the starting point that has led to the assistance of other kids with disabilities, two of which are five-year-old Haris Damaeyee and four-year-old Abdulvares Pohsupaya. Both are natives of Narathiwat and were also born with no limbs. Right now, the boys have received support from local organisations in the form of healthcare, education, living standard improvements and child development measures.
The Princess' IT Projects has benefited Toyeebah in many ways. She has received regular physical rehabilitation sessions at the Foundation for the Welfare of the Crippled. She has received training on how to use a computer and a head stick which was specifically created for her by a team from the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre. A group of teachers were assigned to tutor Toyeebah to use technology, mainly that of the computer, as a tool in her daily life.
When in high school, Tooyeebah worked as a DJ during her weekends. She ran two radio programmes, one for the school and another for children with disabilities. She also hosted Nara Peace, a radio programme dedicated to providing consolation to soldiers and children affected by the insurgency in Thailand's three southernmost provinces.
Toyeebah graduated from the Faculty of Communication Arts at the Prince of Songkla University's Pattani campus, where she had a chance to host a radio programme. In her eyes, working as a radio host is a job that fits her physical condition the best.
Despite her disability, she has proven that she can still live life just like any other normal person. As she has a positive attitude towards life, she does not feel like she lacks anything, feeling that she, just like anyone else, has the power to choose what she wants to become.
"With my physical impairment, it's hard for me to learn something else. And I find that the jobs in the field of communications fit me. I like speaking," said Toyeebah. She currently works as a full-time public relations officer at the City Hall in her hometown.
The side-cart is Toyeebah's everyday vehicle.
Toyeebah, centre, with her work colleagues.
