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BEACON OF HOPE

Author:

Johnstone Ashira Partrick

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Johnstone Ashira Patrick's Journey

My name isJohnstone Ashira Patrick, i born in the year 1997 in the amidst of the vibrant chaos of Kibera's Line Saba, embarked on a journey that would test my resilience and redefine my perception of adversity. My early years were marked by the harsh realities of life in the slums of kibera, but my spirit remained undeterred. Education, a beacon of hope, guided my steps through Kibera Primary School, where i laid the foundation for my future.

However, life's challenges were just beginning. A series of unfortunate events led to my  residence at Karinde Child Love, a haven for vulnerable children. It was here that i discovered a troubling affliction: a progressive loss of vision. Undeterred, i soughted medical assistance, courtesy of the generous support from Earnest Young. A series of surgeries at Kikuyu Eye Hospital, though initially promising, ultimately failed to restore my sight. One eye was irrevocably lost, casting a shadow over my future.

Despite my visual impairment, my determination to learn remained unwavering. I persevered through regular schools like Kitiba Primary, Dr. Kraft Primary, and Ikendero Primary, facing the challenges head-on. The demands of mainstream education eventually proved too demanding, and i found solace in S.A Thika Primary School for the Blind. There, i honed my academic skills and achieved a commendable 263 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2016.

My journey continued at S.A Thika High School for the Blind, where i spent four years acquiring knowledge and skills. In 2019, i emerged with a C average in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), a testament to my dedication and perseverance. Seeking to empower myself further, i enrolled in Machakos Teachers Training College, pursuing a diploma in Early Childhood Education.

The culmination of my academic journey was marked by my participation in the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa's Young Employability Skills Program. This transformative experience equipped me with essential soft skills and adapted ICT skills, empowering me to navigate the challenges of visual impairment with greater independence.

My  life has been a tapestry woven with threads of adversity and resilience. I have faced countless challenges, but my unwavering spirit and belief in the Almighty God have propelled me forward. My journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that disability is not an impediment but rather a catalyst for extraordinary achievements. Through my determination, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of knowledge, I johnstone Ashira Patrick has emerged as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for others facing similar challenges.




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