GoodVision not only provides free eye tests and affordable glasses, it also offers training and sustainable job opportunities for young people in developing countries. Togar G. Tarr is one of the first Liberians whose life was changed through GoodVision’s work in the country. He was working as a nursing aid at Refuge Place International in Monrovia when GoodVision began organizing there. Thanks to his aptitude and energy he became one of the first GoodVision Technicians (GVTs) in the country. Over the next few years he led dozens of outreach events, sometimes traveling to destinations on foot or by motorbike when roads were not passable with a car. During the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, when outreach visits were paused due to government-mandated travel restrictions and school closures, Togar continued to provide vision care while ensuring patient safety.  He gave vision screenings to patients at the Refuge clinic instead. He enjoyed his role as a GVT because he could improve the lives of schoolchildren and others in need of glasses. He saw how the GVT outreach teams were welcomed with open arms in the communities where they worked.  

“Working with RPI has been my dream because of where I come from, and giving back to the same community is the greatest honor for me and to continue to become a full technician under GoodVision. People within my community called me born to suffer child, but today I am grateful for the level where God has placed me and also grateful to RPI for everything and the GoodVision team for thinking about helping Liberians.” – Togar Tarr