Storytime

"Story telling is a dying art" is what one of my peers said during a class this week. That made me think, and I came to the conclusion that he is right. This inspired me share a story that I heard this week.

It is actually the story of my Psychology and Learning professor, he shared it with us on the second day.
He grew up in Zimbabwe and lost his eyesight at age 5 after he had measles. However, his father was determined to provide his son with a proper education. He sent him to a Catholic church were he was taught by Jesuit teachers. He was taught how to use braille so he could study what other students were studying. He said that the school environment had been positive and that his peers were accepting and his teachers encouraging.
He proceeded to attend university in Zimbabwe and after that was offered a scholarship to study in Canada. He got his doctorate at the university of Toronto and is now teaching in Winnipeg. He and his wife have 4 children (if I remember correctly).
He visited his hometown a few summers ago and the community members asked him to help them to build a new school. At first he was hesitant and did not know how he would be able to help. Nonetheless, he contacted a few people, talked to them on the phone and asked for financial support. The people in this community asked to be provided with the finances, they were willing to make the brick themselves and do the labor free of charge. UNESCO ended up giving the community the financial support for the school building. The school was named after the last name of our professor to show the communities appreciation for his efforts.
This secondary school gives the students in the villages close by  the chance to go to school. Before they had to walk of ca. 10 km in order to attend school which was a challenge for them since often they would arrive fatigued. Not to mention the walk home, which was also dangerous since in the open country they would find no protection against wild animals.

Here is a man, who has a disability, and is a true fighter. Not only to fulfill his dreams in the face of stereotypes and biases - but also to provide others with hope and a chance to get an education. This story motivated me to think beyond my faults and limitations. It once again affirmed the fact that one person can make a difference, and that something that to us might seem like a struggle or a limitation might turn out to be a rich blessing for others.