Thara Miranda's Story

It is very hard for me to express what is in my heart. I cannot hear anything nor speak any word. I was born in blind and deaf condition.

My father, mother and sisters are gone because of the big flood of Tsunami. I am still here because my father told me to go upstairs and stay in the second floor of our house. Sometimes I wish I have gone with them.

I have been living with my aunt since three years ago after the tsunami. What an empty life that I have; without any sound and light, without the presence of the people I love.

However, I am grateful God has sent people who really cared about me. They were my teachers from school and also some people from NGO who help the handicap people like me.

I have been in handbags Training Program for two weeks with the other handicap friends. Sometimes I do not understand the lesson that is being taught by the trainers, but I will not give up. I must keep on studying.

I do not want to depend on someone else for the rest of my life. I believe that someday this new skill in making handbags will bring benefit for my future.


Thara Miranda (far left)
Banda Aceh, 19th Nov 2007