An 18-year-old visually impaired Liberian has launched a passionate appeal to the Government of Liberia, goodwill individuals and humanitarian organizations and politicians for financial assistance to enable him to achieve and continue his academic sojourn. Kamara lost his sight at the age of two due to cataracts. In 2012, after three years of blindness, he underwent surgery that restored his vision in his right eye, which he relied on for eight years until 2020, when his sight unfortunately failed again, leaving him completely blind.
Musa Kamara, who aspires to become a journalist, expressed his desire to enroll at the Liberia School for the Blind but said his parents cannot afford the registration fees and other requirements; therefore, he is appealing for financial assistance to bring his dream to reality.
Speaking in an interview at his family residence in Congo Town, Kamara explained that enrollment requires a registration fee along with the purchase of essential items such as a mattress, soap pack, buckets, tissue rolls, washing tub, and bedspread set, totaling about 45,000 Liberian Dollars. He also noted that he needs a few clothes for his stay in the school.
“My mother has been my only source of survival since I got into this condition. Now, she is also taking care of my father, who is sick. We simply cannot afford the amount required for me to enroll. Therefore, I am appealing to Liberians, the government and even politicians to help me fund my education at the School of the Blind. I want to be a journalist and I don’t want this dream to die,” Kamara said.
Kamara shared his journey, recalling that he lost his sight at the age of two due to cataracts. In 2012, after three years of blindness, he underwent surgery that restored vision in his right eye. He relied on that eye for eight years until 2020, when his sight failed again, leaving him completely blind. “When my mother took me back to the hospital, the doctors said my sight could not be restored. She even carried me to Guinea and later to traditional healers in the countryside, but nothing worked,” Musa recounted in a sorrowful tone.
Despite the challenges, Kamara remains determined to pursue education and contribute positively to society. “It is painful to be in this condition, but I cannot give up. I do not wish for any of my friends or family to experience this; it is very hard,” he said.
He emphasized that his dream is to complete his secondary education and one day become a journalist so he can help his family, especially his mother. “My mother has been there for me since I was a baby. Now it is time for me to give back to her,” Kamara added.
Kamara’s story reflects the struggles of many persons with disabilities in Liberia who wish to learn and compete equally with others but lack opportunities. He is calling on goodwill individuals, non-governmental organizations, and government officials to assist him in fulfilling his educational dream.
In addition to seeking support for his education, Musa is also appealing for assistance to undergo further medical treatment abroad in hopes of restoring his sight. Those interested in supporting Musa can reach him through the following contacts: +231 77 297 9554 / +231 88 031 7012. He also appealed to the Press Union of Liberia and media owners to consider his dream of becoming a journalist.
