Turning a Disadvantage into a Business Success

Hello friends!

“My dream is to treat people who live with their problem in secret and think that something is wrong with them – I know exactly how that feels!”

My name is Kohava Balali and I was born in Israel; I am 45 years old and a mother of 4. I love them like crazy! I am also the youngest of eight brothers and sisters. My parents immigrated (made alia) to Israel from Morocco in the 1950’s.
My childhood was happy before I started going to school. After struggling for several years I finally dropped out after the 8th grade. At the age of 15 I understood that I had to teach myself to read, and I started to read secretly, it was hard but I progressed slowly.
When I was recruited to the army I served as a secretary – I only answered the phone and my officer in charge thought I was simply lazy!

After my first child was born, I immediately began teaching myself to read short baby stories. After only one page I felt drained.
I was frightened to go to work – I did not want my big secret revealed! I devoted myself to motherhood. 10 years ago I finally decided to start working at an accountant's office. Another secretary wrote the numbers. I had to remember them as well as all the clients and their stories – it was my resource and my strength. I help to expand the business but never received recognition for my work.

Together with my husband, who is my partner and life supporter, I decided to start studying and to finish my education so I left the job.
I joined the Employment office program of and graduated with excellent grades. My math teacher asked me: “What now, Kohi? You are an excellent student, you have to continue studying!” I told her my story and how hard it is for me to read, that I write with a lot of mistakes and how terrifying I find it!

She suggested that I learn the Alboum method – at last my problem had a name – a ‘learning disability’!
For the first time in my life I understood that I am not alone, it didn't happen only to me! I studied for 3 years and underwent a comprehensive process.

Today when I tell people about my disability, I explain that it is like needing glasses – It’s something I can live with happily!
 After finishing my studies, I opened a therapy room for children with learning disabilities.

My dream is to treat people who live with their problem in secret and think that something is wrong with them – I know exactly how that feels!

Kohava Ballali participated in the Supportive Community Cooperation program (building business partnerships and cooperation).