Denise’s bright vision not deterred by visual impairment
Denise is a 16-year-old bright and bubbly girl who lives in the Eastern part of Rwanda. Her dream is to become famous, an inspiration, and support for the most vulnerable. This powerful sense of purpose Denise has, was stirred by a journey of healing and triumph she walked, after losing her sight.
Denise became visually impaired in a sequence of unfortunate accidents. The first incident happened when she was a very little girl. She was playing near the woods and a friend accidentally struck her left eye with a sharp stick. A few years later, while Denise was feeding livestock at home, a goat thrust its horn and struck Denise's right eye too.
This was deeply and painfully life-changing for Denise. Additionally, her family was facing a new and unexpected challenge of supporting a child with dual visual impairments. Seeing the physical and emotional pain Denise was going through was heartbreaking for them. As if that wasn’t enough, they had to take care of high medical bills, despite already living in extreme poverty. Amidst this heavy distress, fortunately, Denise lost her mother too. She lives with her father and young sister who has a neurodevelopmental disorder.
“I was so sad to have lost my sight for both my eyes, and I had no hope of receiving proper treatment because my family was living in extreme poverty,” said Denise.
World Vision took in Denise as a registered child and also supported her family in various ways. World Vision first of all catered for Denise's medical needs. She was supported by skilled doctors and therapists, to ensure both physical and emotional recovery. Due to this medical support, Denise learned to navigate the world around her using a cane, transforming her perceived limitations into stepping stones toward independence.
Furthermore, World Vision facilitated Denise to pursue her studies by providing support. She was provided with educational materials such as braille books, tactile diagrams, and auditory aids which profoundly transformed her learning into a sanctuary. Denise will also be having surgery for her eyes soon, through World Vision support.
She said; “I found solace and means of expression with this form of learning. The support I received from World Vision opened my eyes as it helped me to see the beauty of life again, beyond my impairment.”
World Vision also uplifted Denise’s family through Livelihood Training programs and small business support, which greatly improved their economic well-being. Hope for a brighter future for Denise and her family was immensely restored.
Denise is deeply grateful to World Vision for being her steadfast companion in her journey from adversity to hope and triumph. Not only that, but WV has also inspired Denise to make it her life purpose to help others. She says; “World Vision believed in me and my potential and I am committed to paying it forward. My goal is to study until I get a PhD, and to help other vulnerable people.”
By James Mwungura & Mary Umutoni