Meet the First Lebanese Ministerial Advisor Using a Wheelchair
He is young, he is unstoppable, he is impressive, and he is highly educated. The 28-year-old Joe Rahal has entered our history by being the first Lebanese Ministerial Advisor who uses a wheelchair.
For all who is, all that he represents, and all that he has achieved of challenging so far, Mr Joe Rahal was appointed to this position by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Mr Gebran Bassil. The aim? Improving the quality of life of people with special needs in Lebanon!
Founder of the Joe Rahal Foundation for the rights of the Lebanese people with disabilities, Mr Rahal has it all to accomplish that mission. With his positive attitude, his strong personality, his hands-on experiences, and his high education, Mr Rahal represents an excellent candidate for this national position.
He has already proven successful, since a very young age, in destroying all obstacles on his way to achieving his goals... against all odds.
His ambition is national wide, and he deems having only started, for most of his mission agenda is yet to come.
The961 had the amazing opportunity to speak to Mr Rahal about his background, his life, and his work. This is what he shared with us:
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Tell us more about you and your condition
I was born in the 6 th month of pregnancy. I got administered an overdose of oxygen due to medical malpractice, which caused paralysis in the movement centre of my brain. That’s how I'm on a wheelchair. I underwent 18 surgeries and got delayed three years in my education.
I managed to graduate from school, and now I have a BA in Political Sciences & International Affairs and a Masters in Strategic Negotiations & International Diplomacy. Currently, I am working on my PhD in Political Sciences.
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Why did you choose this field of study?
I chose it because I believe it is a field that has the power to create a change in society. Every decision I took in my life since I was a child till now was in service to my goal. It has always been my objective to make the Lebanese society respect individuals with special needs or, as I like to call them, “People with Iron Will”.
Via Future TV
How old were you when you decided you want to make a change?
I was 10 years old when I discovered my mission in life. I knew right away that this is a battle meant for me and, in order to win it, I will have to be totally reconciled with myself. I was very young when I clearly saw all my options and choices, and I knew the road was going to get harder the further I walk it.
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Did you ever doubt yourself?
Of course, everyone does. But I did not let it affect me nor my journey. This issue is not only about me, but it also concerns a lot of people who are waiting for someone to depend on in order to make the change. I felt responsible not to let them down.
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Tell us more about the Joe Rahal Foundation
It was founded in February 2017 by 5 members from different backgrounds and myself. It obtained its decree from the Ministry of Interior. The main mission of the foundation is to mobilize the society and gather the resources to contribute to the development and empowerment of the family and of the person presenting a physical impairment for a better quality of life.
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