A different perspective

Education and access to resources is quite different in this country and I thought this story of Joyce and her nephew highlighted a few of them.

The woman who works for me, Joyce, has been taking care of one of her nephews, Victor, since his mom died when he was 3 years old.  At the age of 3 months, Victor was diagnosed with Nystagmus, an eye condition that makes it very difficult for him to focus as his eyes are constantly moving side to side at a rapid speed.  After being diagnosed, Victor had surgery but his condition did not improve.  Growing up Victor was able to see an eye doctor every other year through a program for free, but it did not provide glasses.  At the age of 13 one of his teachers gave him an extra pair of glasses though not fitted for him, they never worked well.

At the age of 16 Victor could no longer see his work at school well enough to complete his assignments.  Joyce was informed by the school that Victor needed to go to a school for the blind located in Johannesburg that is 1 hour away.  Joyce did not have a way for him to get to that school daily, nor could she afford housing for him if he were to stay in the area.  Even if she could afford housing, there would be no one to look after Victor.  Without having a schooling option that would accommodate his vision problems, Victor's school gave him a certificate that stated he completed his work and this certificate is treated like a diploma.

Joyce told me this story last year when Victor was 18 and I was shocked that he had to give up on his schooling.  Joyce's husband went to the Department of Education's office for help, but nothing could be done. Joyce said Victor is very self conscious about his eyes and that other kids make comments about them.  Victor is looking for work, but he has very few skills and is unable to complete any further education due to his vision still making it difficult to focus and read. Joyce states that he is considered disabled, but not based on the government standard for assistance.  In a society that already has an astronomically high unemployment rate, Victor's options are nil.  Victor is 100% dependent on Joyce and her husband for housing, food, and anything else needed, yet he is not technically disabled so he does not receive any assistance from the government.

In January Victor was able to see an eye doctor and get some properly fitting glasses so that he is able to see better.  By having glasses that help correct his vision and assist with focusing, the rate at which his eyes shake is less.  Victor also feels better about himself and says his friends think his glasses are cool.  Now that he can see better hopefully he will be able to find employment but it's an uphill battle for even the high school educated without a minor disability.

I am thankful to come from a country that believes in programs to help others and a society that funds opportunities for those who would otherwise go without.  As a Social Worker, there was rarely an instance where I could not find an option for a patient, it might not have been the complete answer to their prayers but it would get them a step farther.  I hope that South Africa can gain some stability and make strides towards employment, education and a better society for all it's citizens.  Victor is just one of many who go without and with the level of poverty in this country the needs are higher than the hand-ups.