Gift of Sight

For everyone that loses their sight, it's an individual tragedy, but for someone in the developing world it can be catastrophic as sight loss can take away their means of survival too.  That's why our rehabilitation workers are so vital. 

Peter, pictured; works closely with people who are irreversibly blind to help them regain their independence and confidence.  This can include mobility training, cooking, recognising everyday objects such as banknote values and even help with setting up and managing a small business.  The work of a rehab worker can literally turn someone's life around.

This gift can help train a rehab worker to work with people and give them back their independence.  Thank you.

See your gift in action

Charles Mwalongo is married with 5 children.  He lost his sight suddenly at 10 years old from Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary condition. He completed his primary education but he didn't have further education and remained at home, 'doing nothing and feeling lonely and depressed.'

In 2002, a Sightsavers supported programme came to his village and identified Charles as someone in need of rehabilitation training.

His training took around 18 months to complete. One of the rehab workers; Constantine Luoga, came to his village regularly and helped him to regain his independence. During his training he was shown how to get around on his own using a white cane, how to recognise different denominations of money just by touch and how to perform simple tasks such as preparing food.

The difference the training has made to his life is significant. He now has his own small business - a market stall selling beans and pulses. He also feels confident enough to travel to other villages to buy supplies and to see friends and family which was virtually impossible without help before his training. His family are 'so happy' because they have less financial hardship and they can see Charles is happier.