Inspiring Student: Philipmena’s Story
Clear vision plays a significant role in students’ ability to thrive in their studies and realize their full potential
Philipmena, a high school student in Monrovia, Liberia, had been experiencing vision problems since the fifth grade and could read the blackboard only by sitting in the front row. Her classroom was overcrowded, so if she didn’t arrive early enough, the only available desks were in the back of the classroom. When Philipmena was unable to secure a seat up front, she spent the lecture repeatedly walking up to the chalkboard, taking notes, and returning to her seat. Unfortunately, her family could not afford eyeglasses. One day, her school received an eye outreach visit from the GoodVision team. Philipmena was sitting in the back of the classroom because she had arrived too late to get a seat up front. The GoodVision technicians asked her to read the eye chart from her desk — she couldn’t see a single letter. They moved her closer to the chart — still nothing. She was finally able to read the chart when seated at the very front of the room. Philipmena needed glasses, so the outreach team performed a vision assessment and fitted her for glasses. Philipmena went home that day wearing a new pair of glasses for the first time in her life. Today, Philipmena is in tenth grade and plans to attend university and dreams of becoming a medical doctor.
Without your support, Philipmena would not have the glasses she needs to thrive in her studies and reach her professional aspirations. Every dollar you donate goes a long way to helping students like Philipmena.
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-Miracle Olatunji