Elizabeth's story...an update!
- emilycgoodall
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
My name is Elizabeth Michael, I’m 20 years old, and I live in Tabora Municipal with my parents, who have always been my greatest source of love and support. I am forever grateful to them for never giving up on me, especially in a society where people with disabilities are often misunderstood or hidden away due to harmful beliefs.
In 2014, when I was in Standard Four, I fell seriously ill. After several medical checkups, doctors discovered a swelling in my backbone and decided I needed surgery. Sadly, after the operation, I became paralyzed from the stomach down and have used a wheelchair ever since.
Accepting my new reality was one of the hardest challenges of my life. I stayed home for a year, unable to continue school. But my parents encouraged me to return in 2016, even though I was struggling to accept what had happened. When I resumed, my headteacher believed in me and allowed me to continue without repeating the year I had missed. I passed my exams and joined Standard Six, completing primary school in 2017. Later, I was selected to join Kazima Secondary School, an inclusive school that welcomes students of all abilities. I began my O-Level studies in 2018 and finished in 2021, continuing into A-Levels from 2022 to 2024 — all at Kazima. During this time, I also learned sign language, which helped me communicate better with others.
Kazima became one of the most important and memorable parts of my journey. I met wonderful friends and studied under Mr. Tiriwosha, the Head Teacher for students with special needs. His motto, “Disability is not inability,” inspired me to stay positive and determined. I learned to live with others, face challenges, and keep moving forward. Over time, I even became a source of encouragement to other students with disabilities — something I am very proud of.
Life as a wheelchair user has not been easy. At first, moving around and taking part in school activities required a lot of help, and sometimes I felt left behind. But with time, I became more confident and independent. My first wheelchair supported me through many years of my journey, helping me attend school and live an active life.
In 2024, I was blessed to receive a new wheelchair through the kindness of Emma and Emily from the Just Wheels programme. This wheelchair was specially designed to meet my needs — it offered better back support and even had a small table that made studying easier. It truly changed my daily experience, giving me more comfort, freedom, and confidence. To me, it represented not just mobility, but a new beginning — a chance to move forward with independence and dignity. That same year also brought challenges, as I was often sick and spent much time in hospital. Still, I consider 2024 one of my best years, because it reminded me that even in difficult times, God brings light through people who care.
Through that light, I received a sponsorship to continue my education — something I had worried deeply about due to financial constraints and accessibility challenges. I am now pursuing a degree in Community Development at Jordan University in Morogoro, where I live with my younger sister, who helps and supports me in my daily life. My dream is to complete my five-year programme and use my knowledge to support people with disabilities, helping them fulfil their dreams and overcome the barriers they face. I have already completed my first year and will soon begin my second.
My greatest wish is to perform well, graduate, and work as a social worker, empowering others just as I have been empowered. I still face health challenges — including scoliosis, which may require further surgery — something that worries me due to the risks and high costs involved. But every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger, and every person who has supported me has given me hope.