Feature: Artistically-abled girl overcomes disability with paintings and hopes for fame

Sitting in a small muddy room decorated with a handful of painted tableaus, Rababa, 16, said that she was born with a disability but is hopeful that she will become a famous painter one day and be able to be independent.

The paralyzed girl said that her only valuable possessions are her pencil, bunches of white paper and her firm resolve that inspires her to work hard and earn a livelihood as well as fame.

"The beautiful world is nothing more than a prison if you have no feet to walk with and no hands to eat with," Rababa told Xinhua at her residence recently.

Nevertheless, she whispered "I have to change the perception that those without working hands or feet are burdensome people consuming others' share" she said, adding "painting has changed my dark world into a world full of color."

Revealing her ordeal, she recalled that the world had been like a prison for her until last year and she felt that she was a burden to her family because she could not walk and had to be spoon fed by her mother or sister.

Taking a pencil in her mouth and drawing a portrait of a beautiful lady, the ambitious Rababa, who like many Afghans goes by one name, said that by selling her paintings she could earn a livelihood and achieve popularity at home and abroad at the same time.

The unique and amateur teenage painter said that one year ago she wanted to die, as she felt herself to be too much of a burden to her family, but has changed her mind after practicing painting.

"Exactly one year ago, I first took a pencil in my mouth and copied a picture from a book and began practicing. Thank God, I am a painter today," Rababa told Xinhua.

She also feels proud that her photos have gone viral on the internet, which has encouraged her to double her efforts.

"I am no longer a hapless girl, in fact I am hopeful for a bright future," Rababa exclaimed, saying that her artwork would one day secure her a prestigious place in society.

Rababa's mother, Masouma, who takes care of four children told Xinhua that Rababa was born disabled and even though she has been taken to several hospitals and physicians over the past nine years, none have been able to treat the disabilities.

However, Masouma said, "Rababa's paintings have raised the ray of hope in my heart," she said, adding "Rababa is no longer a disabled girl, she is a very capable painter."

Despite her difficulties, Rababa can also use a smart phone with her foot to post her achievements on social media sites to gain fame, her mother Masouma said proudly. Enditem