Inspiring Student: Philipmena’s Story
The inspiring stories of people whose lives have been changed through GoodVision’s work can be a spark that ignites us to do more for others.
Some of these individuals are young students, part of the next generation of global citizens and changemakers. It is incredible to see how the gift of clear vision has played a significant role in their ability to continue 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 not read the blackboard during class unless she sat in the front row. Her classroom was overcrowded, so if she didn’t arrive early enough, the only available desks were those 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 Refuge Place International, a GoodVisions partner organization in Liberia. Philipmena was sitting in the back of the classroom because she had arrived too late to get a seat up front. The Refuge team 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. It was clear that Philipmena needed glasses, so the Refuge outreach team brought her to the Refuge ophthalmic nurse, who confirmed her prescription 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 for her education.
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-Miracle Olatunji