Rifat Naz, a teacher at Deaf Reach School, was born as the only deaf girl child among her hearing brothers. Growing up, she struggled to communicate with her family and felt isolated. Once she got married and had deaf children of her own, Rifat’s life became even more challenging.
Raising 4 deaf sons came with its own set of challenges but Rifat faced them all head-on. She struggled to teach her children basic education as they had to rely on self-made signs instead of a standardized vocabulary. Her life revolved around ensuring that her sons did not face the discrimination and alienation she was subjected to as a deaf child.
Rifat’s life took a turn for the better when she came to Deaf Reach on a friend’s recommendation to learn Pakistan Sign Language (PSL). Using her newly learned vocabulary, she began teaching her sons PSL and enrolled them at Deaf Reach to ensure a better future for them.
As a deaf mother, Rifat left no stone unturned in ensuring that her sons received the best possible education and become responsible citizens. Her hard work and immense dedication paid off when her second-born son, Usman, was selected to study on a scholarship at the American School for the Deaf in the USA.
From safeguarding her children through societal alienation and stereotyping to providing full emotional and moral support, Rifat continues to be a best friend for all her children, with her youngest one being the most attached to her.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate all our mothers for their unwavering love, tireless efforts, and endless sacrifices. Let’s celebrate all the incredible ways in which mothers make the world a better place to live today and every day.
