«Ninaona» - «I can see»

When we received a container with aids from the NGO Physionet in July this year, it also contained four large boxes of prescription glasses. We initially sorted these by dioptre. Together with a local optician and the NGO Living Room International, we organized a free eye examination in October. We expected a lot of people, but the demand was even greater than expected. Thanks to the great team, we were able to treat almost 400 people in three days and hand out almost as many pairs of glasses. This was possible thanks to the cooperation of various organizations and the financial support of Bawa Ndege. Many received glasses for the first time in their lives and Salome was able to help them put them on. It was heartwarming to see how people began to beam when they could read again for the first time in years. Over and over again during these days we heard the phrase "Ninaona" (Swahili: "I can see").

We did not have the correct correction for 37 children. We noted their personal details and, in cooperation with another organization ( KanKen Connect ), we were able to help these children get glasses for about 5 CHF per child recently. Among these individuals, there were 23 cases of cataracts. These people had to be referred to an eye clinic for further evaluation and possible surgery.

We were able to help these individuals receive a more thorough cataract evaluation. Five of them have already undergone successful surgery, while some were treated without the need for an operation. Others will be operated on in the coming year.

One of the women, Helen, had been virtually blind for 20 years and spent her days sitting in front of her house. Thanks to the surgery, she can now see again and visits the village center every day to chat with others. An 85-year-old man also regained his vision in one eye through the surgery. He is now active again, walking several kilometers to the next village to shop and meet with other people.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made these changes possible. Through your support, we have not only restored these people's quality of life but also given them the opportunity to lead active, social lives again. Your help has made an enormous difference—thank you for your valuable contribution!