Story

When Mutez was a little boy growing up in Syria, he loved playing outside of his home. But one day, at the age of five, his world completely changed when a bomb exploded near him. He was fortunate to have survived, but his legs were severely damaged. He has had three surgeries since that accident and is still not able to walk. His mother lived in fear of an accident like this happening. After the explosion, it became clear that her home was no longer safe. With the imminent threat of more violence, they felt they had no other choice but to leave Syria and seek refuge in Turkey. When they arrived in Ankara, they found support from a local refugee ministry that connected them to Kardelen.

Since the bomb explosion, Mutez has been confined to a wheelchair that was too big for him. He was unable to steer it himself and required the help of another family member to get around. This grew to frustrate him. Even to go to school, a family member had to accompany him to take him to each of his classes. It is hard to imagine being in his situation as a young boy unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair he cannot control. Recently, Kardelen was able to give Mutez a new wheelchair that was much lighter, easier to steer, and appropriate for his size. He was thrilled! He can now steer himself and move around without the help of others. With this new wheelchair he will be able to attend school on his own and move about with more freedom.