My hope renewed for wage employment

My name is Nantamba Valerian. I was born in 1982 started to lose my sight at 9 years old. Before I lost my sight I attended school. Immediately after, they stopped my education.

They saw no reason for me to be in school. Luckily some of my relatives realised I was bright and capable of studying, so they let me go back into education.

It felt like the end of my life

I became totally blind in 1997. I felt like it was the end of my life and I even considered suicide. I explored other operations, but doctors said it would make my situation worse. 

I had other friends who were visually impaired and still studying, which was encouraging to me. At 15 I joined St Helens Primary School and continued on to complete Ordinary and Advanced level studies. I went to Kyambogo University in 2009 and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counselling. 

Overcoming discrimination

After I left university I decided to set up a small business with the little savings I had. I believed I would never get employment because of my disability.

In life I’ve had to overcome adversity and discrimination. I once tried to get a laptop and the receptionist told me I could not use one because I am blind.

I used her own laptop to show her just how well I can use one. She was so excited!

Ready and confident 

In November 2018 I was asked to join Leonard Cheshire’s employment project. So far I have learnt how to write a good CV.

I also feel ready and confident to compete for interviews for available job opportunities. Now I’ve had this training my dream is to get into waged employment.