At the National Library of Tajikistan, blind individuals are learning English. The library’s Department for People with Disabilities has been offering language courses, preparing for international competitions, and proving that the absence of sight and physical limitations are not barriers to a full life.
The halls of the National Library are always busy, but the atmosphere on the first floor is unique. This is where the department, which has existed for 14 years, has transformed from a regular book storage facility into a true educational hub and second home for over 2,000 Tajik citizens with disabilities.
Saodat Nabiyeva has led the department for two years, and she speaks of her patrons not as visitors, but as close family.
"We are like one big family," Saodat smiles. "We have people with all kinds of health issues, but the core of our community is around 100 blind activists. They are truly remarkable people—artists, athletes, handcrafters, graduate students, doctoral candidates, schoolchildren, and university students. Their perseverance is something any healthy person could envy."
A special approach
Since February 4th, the department has been offering two-hour English classes every day, at the same time. Illness or bad weather are the only excuses for missing class. The courses last three months and are entirely free.
The idea to start language courses came from the community. Twenty-five people requested help in learning English. The challenge was not just the high cost of private courses, but also the special needs of blind and visually impaired students, who require a unique approach.
The method used is simple and effective: students listen carefully to the teacher or audio lessons from the screen and take notes. Blind students use a stylus and paper with a Braille template, while visually impaired students use special magnifying glasses.
"They have already started speaking English," says Saodat Nabiyeva. "For them, it's not just a hobby but an opportunity to find a job and integrate into society. We have future plans—soon, we will offer Chinese language courses, and we are also planning Braille literacy courses for adults who lost their sight later in life and didn’t learn Braille in school."
From presidential initiative to international success
The Department for People with Disabilities was established in 2012 by an initiative from Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon. In the early years, books for the department had to be brought from Russia, but today, the library actively cooperates with the local company "Mehrbakhsh," which prints literature in Braille.
The shelves now feature not only textbooks but also works by classic authors. The results of their efforts have been recognized internationally. Last year, members of the library’s club participated in a recitation competition organized in Novosibirsk. Despite the online format and stiff competition, the Tajik participants won second place.
The library doesn’t limit itself to books. Saodat Nabiyeva explains that the department often acts as an intermediary between those in need of assistance and philanthropists. Sponsors provide food, medicine, and even wheelchairs. There are also doctors who offer free consultations. The department organizes celebrations and charity meals, such as a recent dinner held for veterans and library visitors with disabilities at the "Origami" café, organized by the café's management and Saodat Nabiyeva.
The main goal of the department’s leadership is to equip people with the tools for independent living. Every course participant receives a certificate upon completion.
"We are inspired and never give up"
Demyan is 18 years old. He was born with glaucoma and had poor vision. At the age of two, he underwent a failed operation and lost his sight completely.
Demyan graduated from a special school for the blind in Hisor and is now running a small business. However, his dream is to obtain a law degree and become a human rights defender to help those in need.
"Three months ago, my friend—who is also blind—brought me here," Demyan shares. "Now, I’m studying English, and I’m really happy about it. Our English teacher is visually impaired and studied at our school. He gives each of us individual attention. I also regularly read books, and I've already read many. My favorite books are Chinghiz Aitmatov’s The First Teacher and Sadriddin Ayni’s Maktabi Kukhna."
Rukhshona Nazarova, 40, uses a wheelchair, but this hasn’t stopped her from becoming a professional athlete. She is a Paralympic champion in weightlifting and arm wrestling and regularly participates in city, national, and regional competitions. In 2012, she won a silver medal at the Asian Arm Wrestling Championship in Tashkent.
Rukhshona lost the ability to walk at age 3 after an unsuccessful polio vaccine, which led to the development of the disease. However, she successfully graduated from school, the Agrarian Institute, and the Institute of Physical Education in Dushanbe. Rukhshona will head to the Asian Championship in Sochi on March 20, but her biggest dream is to compete in the World Championship.
Muhammadjon Kholov, 52, was once a comedian and impersonator in Dushanbe, known by his stage name "Madonna." He is a trained theater director and worked at the Pushkin Theater in Buston for some time.
Twenty years ago, Muhammadjon was hit by a car. After a lengthy rehabilitation, he was unable to regain the ability to walk and now uses crutches, which has made it difficult for him to find work.
"After the tragedy, I felt useless," he says. "But since I started coming to the National Library, I’ve realized that I need to enjoy life despite the diagnosis."
“I’ve been coming here for many years, and we have a very close-knit team. I am grateful to our department for all the courses they offer. Saodat Nabiyeva found a teacher for us, and now we can say more than just 'I love you.' We are inspired and never give up, and I encourage you to never give up either!" says Muhammadjon.
The doors of the Department for People with Disabilities at the National Library are open to anyone who is ready to learn.
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