Our Story
In the heart of our mission as a charity, we find our passion ignited by a powerful belief - that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to lead a life of purpose, dignity, and independence. This unwavering commitment propels us to transform the lives of the blind in communities burdened by poverty, and to offer them not just a lifeline but a bridge to self-sustaining livelihoods.
For too long, we've witnessed the poignant sight of the blind seeking alms on the unforgiving streets, their reliance on the mercy of strangers a harsh testament to a lack of economic opportunities and social support. But our vision extends far beyond this scene of adversity. We envision a world where the blind are no longer defined by their disabilities, but by their immense potential.
Our passion lies in crafting a different narrative, one where we take the blind from the streets and lead them toward a life of economic viability and independence. It's a journey marked by comprehensive support, access to education and vocational training, and the nurturing of entrepreneurship. Through this transformation, we aim to not only provide a sustainable income but also to reignite their self-belief and open doors to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Together, we embark on a mission to replace the despair of begging with the dignity of self-reliance. We kindle the flames of hope and independence, proving that in the face of adversity, we can indeed illuminate pathways to brighter tomorrows for the blind in impoverished communities.
The desired outcome will be achieved through the four-step process.
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Visually Impaired But Able
V.I.B.A.
From the early stages of life to the twilight years, vision plays a pivotal role in managing life's intricacies. The World Health Organization (WHO) offers a stark global statistic - 36 million individuals grapple with complete blindness, while another 217 million endure moderate to severe visual impairment (MSVI), culminating in a staggering 253 million people worldwide. What's more, a substantial 89% of these individuals reside in low and middle-income countries.
Zooming in on Africa, WHO paints a concerning picture. An estimated 26.3 million people on the continent live with various forms of visual impairment, with 5.9 million plunged into complete blindness. This data unveils a disheartening reality - visual impairment is not merely a health concern; it's a profound societal challenge.
In countries already grappling with economic and political constraints, the burden of blindness or MSVI magnifies. It casts a long shadow over workforce participation, stifles equal employment opportunities, fosters social exclusion, thwarts personal aspirations, and inflicts a heavy toll on overall well-being. Those affected find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle, grappling with the harsh realities of life.
In their struggle, many are pushed to the streets, where they confront a host of perils - physical and sexual assault, accidents and injuries, abductions, exploitation, and, in the most heart-wrenching cases, even death. For them, this isn't a distant threat; it's their daily existence.
And so, our mission is born from compassion. Our hearts ache for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who battle MSVI. We are committed to making a difference, one family at a time. Our vision is clear, and our approach is methodical, outlined in a four-step process that holds the promise of transformation.
Meet Some Individuals Looking for Help Today
Limson
Meet Limson Mambiyo, a remarkable man who has overcome many challenges in his life. Limson lost his
sight around 1978 after he contracted measles as a child. Despite his disability, he pursued his education
and completed form four with four subjects. However, finding a job was not easy for him and he had to
resort to begging in the streets to survive. He has been doing this for 20 years and he knows how hard it
is to live in the streets.
Ethel
Ethel, who resides in Epworth, became blind after she was allegedly bewitched by her friend’s grandmother. She supports her family of four children and an unemployed husband by begging on the street. However, this is not a reliable source of income and she sometimes faces challenges in paying rent and providing for her family. Additionally, she is vulnerable to sexual abuse on the street.
Patience
Patience is 33 years old and has been blind since she was a child. Despite her disability, she completed her secondary education and obtained four subjects. She is also a mother of four children, whom she loves and cares for. She survives by begging in the street, hoping for some kindness from strangers. Patience has a dream of becoming an entrepreneur and improving her living conditions.
Mr Chikomo
He was born sighted, but he lost his vision on October 15, 1975, a Tuesday that changed his life forever. He does not remember the cause of his blindness, but he remembers the pain and the fear that followed. Since 1980, Mr Chikomo has been surviving by begging in the streets and in the buses. He says it is not a dignified way of living, but he has no other choice. He has a wife and six children to support. His two
older children have their own families as well, but they are also struggling to make ends meet. Mr Chikomo says he is the one who assists his children with a lot of things, such as paying school fees and buying groceries.
Mr Njerere
Meet Hardlife Njerere who became blind when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor at a very young
age. He has faced significant challenges in his life due to his blindness and despite him being learned he
is struggling to get a job because of his situation. Hardlife Njerere has a Diploma in Disability Studies and ever since he has finished, he has not been able to get a job.
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Elizabeth
Elizabeth was born blind and lost her husband in 2011. She was left with two children, but later had a third child with a man who did not want to stay with her. Elizabeth survives by begging in the streets, but she cannot afford to send her children to school. Her dream is to start a small business of buying and selling goods, so that she can provide for her family.
Zondani
Zondani Mupapa is a blind man who lives in poverty and struggles to provide for his family. He lost his sight when he was a child after contracting measles, a disease that can cause serious complications. Because of his blindness, he could not go to school and learn the skills he needed to find a decent job. He resorted to begging in the streets, but he faced many challenges and hardships. He said that people were not very compassionate or generous, and sometimes they even abused or ignored him.
Helping the blind is not just an act of kindness; it's an investment in a world where everyone can see their potential.
