"From Darkness to Dreams: Lillian’s Pursuit of a Brighter Future"

Under the hot Kenya sun, I followed Edward’s steady, measured steps along the narrow walking path through the fields and grasses. Children occasionally joined us, skipping and laughing as they reach out to touch our hands. Edward is a Community Health Promoter in the small Mahanga community on Mageta Island in Kenya.

Our first visit this morning, is with Lillian (not her real name), a brilliant 27-year-old women who has been blind since she had measles at age 3. Mary (not her real name) is Lilian’s sister and has been Lillian’s care giver following the death of their parents when Lillian was 2. Mary also has 6 children, runs a small vegetable shop, and has recently become a single parent. Lillian thrived at university for 2 years but was not allowed to proceed because she is in arrears of her school payments.  She has excellent English, Swahili, Luo, and Braille. Her hope is to get her master's and become a university lecturer.  Education is the way out of poverty for Lillian and her family, but without support she will continue to help Mary with her small store and housework, but she has so much more to offer as a role model for the disabled and as a future educator. 

Please consider donating to MCOH scholarship fund so Lillian and others like her can reach their full potential.