Interview with Mahdi Salami, one of the founders of Rahyab Organization
Mahdi Salami founded the Rahyab Organization in 2008 with his wife, Benafsha Yaqoobi. They are both visually impaired and have done significant work supporting people with disabilities. Through the Rahyab Organization,, they provided education, empowerment, employment, and counselling services for people with disabilities in Afghanistan. Now living abroad, they strive to continue their efforts. Zan Times spoke with Mahdi Salami about the activities and life of this inspiring couple.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Zan Times: To start, who is Mahdi Salami? Could you tell us a bit about your life?
Mahdi Salami: I was born in 1975 in Kabul. During my childhood, I migrated to Iran, where I completed my schooling. At that time, the situation in Iran was different, and there weren’t as many restrictions on Afghan refugees. I attended school from kindergarten to the end of high school. I was involved in many activities working with people with disabilities and also worked as a freelancer, such as translating texts. After returning to Kabul, I continued these activities in a more organized way within a foundation. In 2006, I returned to Afghanistan and worked on disability support projects in collaboration with United Nations programs, the Red Crescent, and other organizations. Later, my wife, Benafsha Yaqoobi, and I decided to establish our own organization.
Zan Times: Did you receive any specialized training in Iran?
Salami: Yes, I studied at a school specifically designed for people with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired. At the time, I thought this specialized school was the best possible place for education for people like us, but now I think differently. I believe it’s better for individuals with visual impairments to study alongside others, provided that the necessary resources are available, and they don’t face accessibility or treatment issues. I now advocate for inclusive education for people with disabilities and non-disabled individuals, if the environment is accommodating.
ZT: How did you meet Dr. Yaqoobi?
Salami: I met Dr. Yaqoobi during disability support projects we were both involved in while in Iran. Our friendship developed there and continued when we returned to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, I proposed to her. My marriage proposal surprised her — she needed time to think and consult with her family. Her family’s opinion was very important to her. Interestingly, her family asked her what she thought, emphasizing that it was her opinion. With mutual satisfaction and the approval of both families, we got married.
ZT: I’d like to know about your life together. You are a man who supported a strong woman like Dr. Yaqoobi, enabling her to thrive in her work and achieve success.
Salami: Dr. Yaqoobi herself played a crucial role in her own success. As much as I could, I created a supportive environment for her and have always been her collaborator and supporter.
ZT: When collaborating with Dr. Yaqoobi, what were your main concerns? Who led your joint efforts?
Salami: Leadership was mostly handled by Dr. Yaqoobi. I provided advice and took on tasks involving manual labour, as well as software and hardware-related duties for our shared work. Most of the time, we worked together on everything.
ZT: Who came up with the name “Rahayab”? What inspired the choice of this name, and how did the process of creating Rahayab unfold?
Salami: Previously, we worked on numerous projects — both long-term and short-term — focused on supporting people with disabilities. We realized that instead of contributing to projects that eventually ended, we should establish an organization that would have lasting impact. We held seminars in schools and trained teachers on how to interact with people with disabilities. During those programs, we invited suggestions for naming our organization. Everyone proposed something: one suggested “Lamp,” another “Pen,” and finally, a teacher with a poetic spirit suggested the name “Rahayab” (which is “Pathfinder” in English). Everyone agreed on it. It was a fitting name, reflecting the organization’s vision of showing the way forward.
When we went to the Ministry of Economy to register the organization, they immediately approved the name. The organization operated for many years, but in 2021, when the government collapsed, we too became refugees.
ZT: How did Rahayab operate, and how did you raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities?
Salami: Rahayab had many moral supporters — many individuals stood behind our work — but we had few financial backers. For a while, the Red Crescent supported us financially. Later, we found other sponsors, and we collected financial aid from the public during times when we didn’t have official donors. You asked about Rahayab’s activities. The organization focused on three main goals:
- Preventing future disabilities through pre-marital counselling:
This involved educating families about the importance of blood tests before marriage, ensuring the health and genetic compatibility of both parties, and registering marriages officially. - Rehabilitation:
We taught skills that allowed people with disabilities to make better use of their other physical abilities. For example, for individuals with visual impairments, we provided training on how to use a white cane. Teaching these skills enabled individuals to compensate for the absence of one sense or limb by strengthening another. - Promoting inclusive education:
We believed that specialized education for people with disabilities was not the ideal solution. Instead, we encouraged beneficiaries to enroll in schools near their homes. While we provided some of the tools and skills needed by people with disabilities, we motivated them to study in mainstream schools. We also worked directly with schools to ensure that students with disabilities from our organization could study in equal and inclusive environments. We pursued this work seriously and had the cooperation of the Ministry of Education. - Advocacy:
We weren’t alone in this effort. Many peers advocated for people with disabilities through various networks, and we joined them whenever necessary. The Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs had established a network of organizations working to support people with disabilities. Additionally, there was an advocacy committee led by the Human Rights Commission, with several other organizations collaborating with Rahayab. Around 15 or 16 organizations held monthly meetings to identify advocacy topics.
One of Rahayab’s significant initiatives at the time was introducing the National White Cane Day in Afghanistan. White Cane Awareness Day has been celebrated globally on October 15. A legal framework promoting the safety of the visually impaired was initially drafted by a lawyer and a mathematician and later adopted by UNESCO and the World Blind Union. October 15 has been observed to draw global attention to people with visual impairments and their white canes.
The White Cane Law emphasizes two key principles: independent personal living and dignified social living for individuals with visual impairments. It obligates governments, organizations, and communities to collaborate to ensure these rights.
In 2009, we introduced this day in Afghanistan for the first time. After 2009, the scope of White Cane Day celebrations grew in Afghanistan. In the first year, we celebrated it within Rahayab. The following year, we invited guests from the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs, other organizations, and the media to cover the event.
Gradually, the event expanded, and Parliament and the Disability Commission of the Senate became involved. In later years, the offices of the President and Chief Executive competed with each other in how they commemorated this day.
ZT: Was Rahayab invited to these celebrations?
Salami: In fact, those institutions didn’t know how to celebrate the day, so they turned to related networks for help. Since Rahayab was the initiator of this day’s celebration, we took part in organizing the events. Of course, it was a collective effort, with assistance from all involved networks. For example, one year, the Executive Office held a celebration, and Rahayab participated with three programs: an exhibition, a song about the white cane (where I was part of the performing group), and two additional songs about the white cane performed by Rahayab’s students.
ZT: Do you have videos of these performances?
Salami: Yes. If you search for “White Cane” on YouTube, you’ll find our work.
ZT: From 2008 to 2021, how many individuals did Rahayab work with, and how many schools did you collaborate with?
Salami: Due to budget constraints, we couldn’t support more than 50 individuals at a time. We had a waiting list of 200 to 250 people seeking services. Rahayab’s inclusive education covered all 17 educational zones of Kabul. We provided Braille education, rehabilitation training, and social skills development for individuals with disabilities.
ZT: How did your process work? Did your organization first train 50 people, who then went on to teach in schools?
Salami: We had a relatively large house in Kabul, and we dedicated two rooms to Rahayab — one for students and one for storing supplies. We scheduled students to attend at different times during the week and divided the routes for their access. Each student could come once a week to receive training. Once the student reached a certain level of competency, we sent them to public schools and handed over the responsibility to the school and the individual.
We also provided transportation for the beneficiaries, as most of them were women or underage boys and girls. Many women with visual impairments who approached us had no basic literacy, and their families wouldn’t allow them to travel alone. We had to arrange transportation for them. Since many of these women had been subjected to or were still under pressure and abuse, we focused on their education to help them learn and progress quickly.
ZT: Approximately how many people have benefited from Rahayab’s activities?
Salami: An estimated 200 individuals benefited. We also conducted other programs, such as computer training, where the condition for enrollment was completing at least sixth grade. We held two training sessions before the fall of the Republic, and the third session is ongoing. These sessions are divided equally between boys and girls, and they receive equal and fair computer education.
ZT: How did Rahayab’s activities continue after the fall of the Republic and after you left Afghanistan? What is your current level of activity?
Salami: After the fall, our activities continued in a pilot form and were conducted house-to-house. This method is still ongoing, and we try to keep it low-key to avoid drawing the Taliban’s attention.
ZT: Are your activities limited to Kabul?
Salami: Yes, only in Kabul.
ZT: Is the school still operational?
Salami: The word “school” caused issues for us with the Ministry of Education in the past. Rahayab isn’t a school — it simply facilitated the enrollment of people with disabilities into schools. Now, with schools closed and girls confined to their homes, they’re exhausted and constantly asking when this situation will end.
ZT: Could you share your personal experience with structural discrimination in Afghanistan?
Salami: There were flaws in the law. Under the Republic, only war-disabled individuals were eligible for financial assistance, while those with congenital or non-war-related disabilities were excluded. Addressing this discrimination was one of our advocacy goals.
Another form of discrimination stemmed from a lack of awareness in the abilities of people with disabilities. Many doubted their capabilities and were hesitant to give them opportunities. Discrimination arose from these attitudes.
The Civil Service Law included a provision for three percent employment of people with disabilities in government offices, but unfortunately, this was never implemented. Advocacy efforts were made, especially when Dr. Benafsha Yaqoobi became the Commissioner for Human Rights Commission in the field of disability. She took the initiative, engaged with officials, and worked to remove barriers to the employment of individuals with disability.
Some institutions decided to allocate more positions to people with disabilities. The Civil Service Commission and a few other offices introduced positive policies, allowing individuals with disabilities to have an advantage in exams and hiring processes. Some interesting developments were underway — offices like the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office decided to offer administrative roles to people with disabilities. While these individuals still had to take exams, they were more easily accepted for jobs. Progress was made, but the goal of three percent was far from being achieved.
Beyond the discrimination I’ve mentioned, another issue was that people with disabilities themselves often lacked awareness of their rights and capacities. Many didn’t strive to assert themselves in society. We worked tirelessly on raising awareness to change this situation.
Now, the Taliban boast about paying allowances to both war-disabled and non-war-disabled individuals. However, reports indicate that a Taliban-affiliated disabled person receives significantly more than a non-Taliban disabled individual.
A 2019-2020 Asia Foundation survey estimated that around 14 percent of Afghanistan’s population has severe disabilities — that’s approximately five million people. This figure doesn’t include those with milder disabilities. So far, the Taliban claim they have registered 300,000 individuals with disabilities.
ZT: Based on reports and interviews we’ve recently conducted, women with disabilities say their allowances have been reduced, halved, or not paid at all. What have you heard about this?
Salami: That’s correct. We’ve heard similar complaints. Gender discrimination in Afghanistan is akin to apartheid. The Taliban deliberately and increasingly enforce harsh laws against women. Their gender-based discrimination is systematic and resolute. Women with disabilities face double the deprivation — once for being women and again for having a disability. Naturally, a man with a disability receives benefits that a woman does not. We’ve also received reports that women with disabilities are facing significant challenges under the Taliban regime.
ZT: Could you provide more details on this?
Salami: Given the circumstances, which you’re already well aware of, I can’t discuss this in great detail. However, the general restrictions imposed on women have also affected women with disabilities. No special considerations are made for their disabilities. For instance, women and girls are banned from schools and universities without any exceptions.
ZT: Are disabled men allowed to continue their education and take the university entrance exam (Kankor)?
Salami: During the Republic, there were no major barriers preventing disabled individuals from taking the Kankor exam or pursuing higher education. However, those with visual or hearing impairments faced unique challenges. There was a mechanism under the Republic where a specialized Kankor exam was held for individuals with sensory disabilities. However, this system came with specific conditions, such as requiring candidates to be referred by relevant organizations. While the conditions weren’t ideal, the fact that such an exam existed provided some hope, enabling a number of individuals with disabilities to enter universities.
Under the Taliban administration, only once in the first year of their regime was a specialized Kankor exam held for individuals with disabilities. At that time, universities were still open to girls, and some of our girls and boys participated and were admitted to universities. However, with universities now closed to women, they couldn’t continue their education.
ZT: How do you see the future of Rahayab? Do you think Rahayab can still serve as a pathfinder for Afghanistan’s disabled community?
Salami: We live in the United Kingdom now and have decided to register Rahayab here as an organization not solely focused on people with disabilities in Afghanistan. We’ve registered it under the name Rahayab Initiative. Our goal is to expand the number of beneficiaries, including not only individuals with disabilities but also the general public.
Rahayab’s future depends on Afghanistan’s circumstances. Like any organization, the scope of our work is influenced by a country’s political conditions. For now, nothing is clear, as Afghanistan’s situation remains uncertain.
ZT: What are the major challenges facing Rahayab’s activities in Afghanistan today? Could you name two or three key challenges?
Salami: Rahayab’s primary challenge has always been financial. There were times when we funded the organization from our personal salaries. Today, we’ve joined a network and registered Rahayab with a new name and broader scope. The new Rahayab is a global platform for fundraising and advocacy for Afghanistan’s disabled community. This year, the new Rahayab celebrated White Cane Day online, and Afghanistan International TV broadcasted a report on it.
ZT: Could you share a success story or an example of how Rahayab has changed someone’s life?
Salami: We have many such stories. For instance, there was a girl with visual disabilities who was so belittled by her family that she couldn’t even walk around her own home. A teacher from her extended family asked us to include her in our organization’s support programs. After considerable effort, we convinced her family to allow her to join.
Once she started attending Rahayab’s classes, her life completely transformed. She became very socially active and now leads many online campaigns. She also takes on responsibilities within her family. This girl, who had never walked due to her blindness, lacked physical development in her legs and feet. We encouraged her family to buy her shoes so she could walk.
She didn’t even know how to communicate properly. When we asked her, “How are you?” she would respond with, “We ate beans last night.” She didn’t understand how to answer questions. Our teachers worked tirelessly to help her, and eventually, she learned to walk and communicate effectively.
ZT: If there’s anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to share with Zan Times, please feel free to do so.
Salami: I’d like to suggest that Zan Times participate in the programs organized by Rahayab to collaborate on advocacy efforts for people with disabilities. Additionally, you can assist us in reaching out to those in need of our services. We’d also love for Zan Times to highlight Rahayab’s activities and foster a mutually positive and complementary relationship between our two organizations.
ZT: Thank you for your time and insights. Zan Times is equally interested in collaborating with Rahayab. Thank you so much!