04/16/2024
2nd Annual Rainbows International Conference. Join us and learn about all the ways Rainbows organizations are making a difference for children and youth.
"My name is Zobaida Altajir, and I currently reside in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Contrary to popular belief, I live in a house, not an igloo.
I hold multiple advanced diplomas in Teaching English as a Second Language, Nutrition and Health Science, and Special Needs Educational Assistance. Additionally, I am a certified Braillist and a journeyman cosmetologist.
Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mother to two grown children and a dedicated wife and caregiver for an elderly parent. In my leisure time, I enjoy travelling and watching football (or soccer) and hockey. I am also an avid gardener.
I've worn many hats in my life, a mother, caregiver, wife, and educator. With 18 years of experience in education, my journey began as a Special Needs Educational Assistant in public schools, primarily in low socio-economic areas, where I worked with children at risk and newcomers to Canada. My path took a turn towards supporting visually impaired/blind children after learning Braille. This led me to a role as the Early Intervention Vision Loss Specialist for North Alberta at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. There, I facilitated workshops for the children and parents, taught children, and empowered parents with advocacy skills, supporting them through the grief of having a child with special abilities. Despite my rewarding work, funding challenges brought me back to the public school sector, where I currently work with an 80% Indigenous Canadian population and 20% newcomers to Canada. It's in this role that I discovered Rainbows, integrating its principles into my approach to education and caregiving."
