Visual impairment specialist gives back

DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 22, 2019

Visualize Eyes Afrika International is an organisation with the mandate to assist people with visual impairment to brave society’s daily hurdles.

Molesimi Kono, who hails from Botswana, is its founder with a passion for ensuring persons with visual impairment reach their full potential.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Molesimi Kono disclosed that more than two weeks ago he travelled to Guyana to offer his services to the Guyana Society for the Blind and the Visually Impaired Cultural Association of Guyana, along with a number of individuals.

Rehabilitation and Habilitation Specialist, Molesimi Kono and a batch of his visually impaired graduates.

Habilitation and Rehabilitation Specialist, Molemisi Kono.

A visually impaired person in one of the sessions.

Rehabilitation and Habilitation Specialist, Molesimi Kono working with one of his trainees.

“During my workshops, we looked at orientation mobility, how to get from one point to another and several cane skills, teaching persons with visual impairment to protect themselves. Trainees were trained in several sighted guided techniques, such as positioning and pace, correct grip and inward turn when using the cane.”

He mainly works with adults and students from the University of Guyana who have received certificates upon the completion of the workshop exercise. He highlighted that the workshop has equipped the graduates with the skills, knowledge and techniques to go about their daily lifestyles.

Visual Eyes Afrika International started in October 2018 and has assisted numerous individuals within the Africa continent. Kono said it was his first time visiting South America and reiterated that his joy is seeing people without sight blossom like everyone else.

“I studied at the University College in London and for years I remained committed to giving back and it’s all for free. I would be returning to Guyana to offer further services and would surely like to collaborate with other organisations and schools to assist the blind.”

Persons who require his service can reach him on Facebook at Visual Eyes Afrika International as he will be returning to Botswana on March 24.

In Guyana, there are 23 organisations for persons with disabilities in eight administrative regions, and currently, fewer than 1,000 persons with disabilities are members of one or more of these organisations. One of the country’s mandates according to the Persons with Disabilities Act 2010, is to ensure that measures are put in place to empower persons with disabilities.

Ayana George.

Images: Leon Leung.