Determination fuels success
AT THE age of just 8, Amina Farouk lost her leg after being run over by a drunk driver.
Over the years, Farouk, 26, has used her disability to motivate herself and others, and racked up a number of successes along the way.
Farouk, formerly of Durban and now living in Johannesburg, has won a slew of awards and accolades for the inspirational manner in which she has lived her life, and for being a role model to others in the community.
She holds the title of Ms Inspire SA Woman 2022/2023, and is also a casual day ambassador for the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
She received the Women of Wonder Gauteng 2021 award, and was added to the list of 100 most influential women in South Africa last year.
Farouk said her family were originally from Durban. Before the accident, her family had lived in Durban.
However, they moved to Johannesburg when she was 4 years old.
“On October 7, 2004 I visited a local shop with a family member. I was exiting the shop when a drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and drove into me. I fell to the ground. I still remember the glass shattering and not being able to get up.
“My right leg was extremely damaged. I was taken to Milpark Hospital, and that was when my parents needed to make a difficult decision. They were given only three minutes to give the doctors the go-ahead to amputate my right leg from the hip. It was a hard decision for any parent, especially since I am their only child,” said Farouk.
Post-amputation, she spent a few days in the hospital’s intensive care unit on life support. Her parents were told to pray for her recovery.
“I woke up in the ICU and a psychologist explained to me I had lost my leg. Being 8 years old, I did not understand. Instead, I asked my parents to help me look for my leg, which then gave them the sad task of explaining what had happened. I needed to undergo many post-amputation surgeries, as well as intense physical therapy sessions at rehab centres,” said Farouk.
In 2005, her parents made a decision to relocate to Phoenix, in Durban, because they needed family support.
“When we came back to Durban, I was midway through Grade 3, so I was enrolled at East View Primary School in Unit 7, Phoenix.
“I was now not only the new kid at school, but I was also the only physically disabled child in the school. Children at that age are rather innocent – everyone wanted to be friends and get to know me. However, adjusting to a new school curriculum, being in a new environment and trying to find myself were rather difficult.
“Just as I started settling in, the bullying began. Before things got worse in Grade 5, my parents decided to move me to a different school,” said Farouk.
She was moved to Phoenix Muslim School.
“In my new school I tried to fit in and find friends, but that was just a very difficult task, as even children at that age already take note of physical appearance and social standards.
“My teachers were understanding and accommodating when I faced bullies, but I really was patiently awaiting the day I finished matric.
“In 2013, when I was in Grade 11, my parents moved back to Johannesburg, My dad had a job opportunity he couldn’t refuse, as it would ultimately benefit me in the long run.
“I was then placed in the care of my grandparents who always went above and beyond to ensure I was well taken care of,” said Farouk.
She matriculated from Phoenix Muslim School in 2014 with a bachelor’s pass.
“From an early age, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. My mind was set on being able to make a difference and use my disability for the greater good.
“So in 2015 I moved to Johannesburg and enrolled at Unisa to study for a Bachelor of Education degree (intermediate and senior phase).
“I started volunteering at Gold Reef Private School and I found my purpose in life. I grew in the profession rather quickly, as at the age of 20 I was head of department while still studying.
“I was given the opportunity to mentor fresh faces in the education sector. I took many student teachers under my wing and mentored them into confident young educators,” said Farouk.
She graduated from Unisa in 2019 with a Bachelor of Education degree.
“In 2020, despite the country being affected by Covid-19, I began a new journey at the International School of Cordoba, where I was promoted to deputy principal at 24. It was a rather challenging role, but I remained motivated.
“In 2020, I completed an Honours degree in sociology at Unisa. At the start of 2021, I decided to venture out and explore the Cambridge curriculum. Now I currently hold a teaching residency at Cambridge level for Nova Pioneer Ormonde,” said Farouk.
Besides embarking on her career, Farouk has received many accolades.
“I became a recent recipient of the Panache Women of Wonder award. I was nominated among 3 000 women and received the award alongside 40 other amazing women.”
In her newest venture Farouk is on a journey to inspire others.
“I am determined to claim my space. I entered Ms Inspire SA with the mindset that I will pave the way for many young girls who lack self-esteem. I believe beauty comes from within, and my aim is to encourage every young girl to step up and step out.
“Being physically disabled means I needed to accept a disability before I even fully understood what that meant. I believe everything happens for a reason and have never questioned my misfortunes.
“I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I am going to continue serving the education sector for as long as I can.”