Finding my inspiration

My name’s Vilda and I took part in the Girls’ Education Challenge programme. Thanks to the programme, I have access to opportunities in life. I never thought possible.

I am physically disabled. I lost the phalanges in my left hand because of a fire outbreak in my compound when I was two months old. Growing up, I always thought my disability was a challenge. I felt like I needed to hide my hand in public.

My education story

I started education in 2003 and was the only disabled person in my class. The other students didn’t understand disability. But neither did my teachers. At break times they would play hand contact games. No one was willing to play with me. No one wanted to touch my hands. They bullied me and would say things like “don’t touch her, we can’t touch her.” I felt really lonely. There was such a stigma around disability, and I never had anyone to talk to about it.

I didn’t feel like I had many opportunities as a disabled person. In 2003 people with disabilities were usually kept in their homes. There wasn’t much integration in society. I wanted an education, but my parents could not afford it. So, because of my disability, I was sent to live in an orphanage so I could attend school.

Unfortunately, at the orphanage, the challenges continued. There weren’t any other disabled children, and people didn’t have an understanding of disability. I felt despised. I felt like I couldn’t talk about my problems either. Because I still had my parents, many of the orphans couldn’t sympathise with my struggles. They’d say, “at least you still have your parents.” Once again, I felt alone and unsupported with my disability.

Why I got involved with Girls’ Education Challenge

Things started to change when I heard about the Girls’ Education Challenge programme in 2013. The school I was at was being considered to be part of the project. At first, I felt quite apprehensive about joining the programme. I felt so negative about disability and wanted to hide my disability rather. I felt secluded already and didn’t want to be secluded even more by joining the programme.

But I was wrong! I met with Orpa Ogot, who was running the programme in Kisumu and immediately started to feel more interested. The programme had such a positive impact on my life. It meant I could go to school with students with and without disabilities.

The inclusive education programme meant that disability could be celebrated. People had an understanding of disability and could support me to do my best in school. Being part of the programme made me feel more positive about myself and my disability. It made me realise there is a possibility with disability!

My future looks bright

My mother had always wanted me to go to school and build a life. But the discrimination I had faced at a young age meant I didn’t believe that those opportunities existed. Thanks to the programme, I completed my high school education.

Now, I’m enrolled in Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. The Girls’ Education Challenge programme made me want to work with people with disabilities in the future, so I’m currently studying for a Bachelor of Social Work.

I’m looking forward to finishing my degree and getting a good paying job. I want to help support my family and also help others with the little I get!