Jael lost her eyesight in August 2021, while in Form Three. In an effort to seek intervention and hoping that this would be medical corrected, Jael’s parents sought help in many major Eye hospitals in the country, that made her undergo numerous repeated tests including; MRIs and Eye pressure exams.
Despite being given magnifiers to help her vision, no clear diagnosis emerged until 2024, when she was informed that her Optic nerves had been damaged, likely as a result of tuberculosis medication she had taken for nine months in 2021.
She sought help and through referrals she learned about Kenya Society for the Blind. That visit at the eye unit proved life-changing as she was informed that her condition was non reversible. Eager to return to school, Jael enrolled at the Education and rehabilitation center majorly for braille literacy. The course that lasted for six months was not without its ups and down but she was determined to embrace her new life regardless of the challenge.
During the stay at the Society, she met others who has recently lost sight under various medical condition and also was able to hear experience from individuals who had managed to live comfortable after loss of sight. This gave her an inner zeal to work hard and be among persons whose story will inspire others. Day by day her confidence began to improve as she continued to learn braille, the tools she needed to reclaim her education.
With the newly acquired skills and a positive outlook to life, Jael rejoined school in September 2024 at S.A Thika High School for the Blind. ‘‘I feel happy and ready for my National exams next year’’ say Jael in one of her visit at the society which has now become her new home.
