Saleem Al-Harazi

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Saleem Al-Harazi was just ten years old during the rise of Yemeni Revolution, a movement in which Yemeni citizens voiced their demands for widespread governmental changes in the midst of high unemployment, food security, and corruption. It was during this movement that Nobel Peace Laureate and human rights activist Tawakkol Karman gained international recognition.

Despite his young age, Saleem was actively involved with the movement as well. He was well aware of the extreme poverty that caused suffering for countless Yemeni citizens. On March 18th, what began as a nonviolent demonstration soon escalated, and 50 protestors were shot and killed, and 200 others were wounded by those believed to be supporters of the current government. At this march, Saleem Al-Harazi was struck by a bullet and permanently blinded. Soon after this event, the country broke into an ongoing civil war that has already led to more than 100,000 deaths, 4 million people being displaced, and caused an enormous toll on people with disabilities who already find themselves on the margins of society, and excluded from humanitarian assistance.

The accident changed the course of Saleem’s life, as families of people with disabilities in Yemen face social stigma, and many are denied access to education, employment, and healthcare. After being told he should just remain at home, he entered a school for the blind, and continued to push himself to find other ways to memorize, learn, adapt and unlock his other abilities. Saleem is now studying at the university level to become a journalist and is determined to transform the way society views and treats those who are blind.

Saleem has become an outspoken advocate hosting many events and talks including a Ted Talk at TEDxKids@Sanaa- focusing on how he lost his sight, but not his dreams. Saleem works everyday to educate others about the power of words in reaching your dreams, and how to approach, support and become an ally for those with different abilities. He pushes decision makers at universities, in government positions and in the workplace to find ways to provide blind students opportunities and innovative ways to unlock their true potential. Additionally, he works as a teacher, volunteering at schools that aren’t specifically for those who are blind in order to share his experience and perspective with the students. Saleem is determined to prove that the blind and those with different abilities are fully capable of helping and advocating for themselves and others, and becoming productive and inspirational members of society if given the chance.