So since I have been in Uganda, I
have started an internship at an orphanage and school for the blind and
visually impaired. I am able to go every Tuesday and Thursday and it has been
the best experience since I have been in Africa. When I get there every day,
the students are in school and I am able to sit in the classrooms with them and
help them take notes in their braille notes (i included some pictures below), which they freehand, by the way and
it is completely incredible and mind blowing. In the beginning, it was a
struggle to learn names and get a relationship going with the children
(because, if I’m being honest, they all look alike, with the same haircut,
bright yellow uniform, and cute little backpacks), but now it is just the
easiest thing ever to walk up to any of the 200 plus children and start talking
to them. Typically, when I go, I am able to spend time with them, and also time
in the offices learning about their lives from a social work perspective.
Anytime I get to spend time with them, I am blown away by the way these kids are
there for each other. The seeing ones help the ones who can’t, with almost
everything. They hold each other’s arms to guide them around and not run into
things, they read off the notes on the board so they can write them out in
braille, and even play with each other and have the highest patience level for
their friends. It is amazing to just sit there and watch it happen so
naturally.
When I am not with the
children, I am able to work in the offices and look through the children’s
files and backgrounds. Many of the children are not even completely blind and
maybe just need glasses to correct their vision, but have been labeled with the
title “blind”, taught braille, and treated the way the rest of the totally
non-seeing kids have. It is unbelievable to be able to go through and read some
of these files. There were things that happened to some of these kids that I
literally started tearing up over while reading it. Unfortunately I’m not
allowed to say specifically what, due to confidentiality issues, but just know
that these kids have been through so much and are only so little, it breaks my
heart. I couldn't help but read through these and pray for each one
specifically. That God would have His hand on their futures and provide for
their needs physically, spiritually, and otherwise. Even down to the simple
things like providing food from day to day. I prayed that not only would I have
an impact and positive time there, but that those in authority permanently,
like the teachers and social workers, would be able to significantly invest in
these kids’ lives, because there is such a need for a constant relationship and
guidance in their lives. They crave friendships and will run up to just about anyone and love on them, calling you “auntie”
or “uncle” in the cutest little high pitched voices.
The other day, when I had free
time, I went to just spend time with the children at the orphanage and they
were so enthusiastic about a "mzungu" (white) auntie taking time to eat guavas
off trees and play on the slide. It was wonderful. They have even helped me
learn a little braille myself and stumble over trying to learn Luganda, the local
language here. I can already tell that these children are going to have a
special place in my heart. By then end of this semester, it is going to be so
hard to say goodbye to all my little new friends.
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