by Grace Kwinjeh |Being totally blind has not limited Moreblessing. She speaks with a passion, conviction and a fierce determination as she narrates her life journey, her dreams and aspirations.
Moreblessing (not real name) in the above audio clip talks to founding member of the Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust (ZBWT), Miss Jules Daudi.
When asked what message she has for other visually impaired or blind people, Moreblessing boldly states: “’Those people who are totally blind especially ladies, my speech is directed towards ladies. Never give up, even no matter at what age even if you are 65 years old, you can start something- it will never be late.”
Walking the talk – Moreblessing 26 years ago, did her her O’ levels , completed a course as a switchboard operator, went on to attain a diploma in business studies; and now she has a vision to complete her A’ level studies in November with the hope of furthering her studies to become a lawyer or a teacher.
According to the 1996 Disabled Persons Act of Zimbabwe; ‘a person with a physical, mental or sensory disability, including a visual, hearing or speech functional disability, which gives rise to physical, cultural or social barriers inhibiting him or her from participating at an equal level with other members of society in activities, undertakings or fields of employment that are open to other members of society.’
Women like Moreblessing have risen above the challenge especially societal biases that include negative stereotypes, creating a new foundation and ethos based on the mantra that ‘disability is not inability’.
With the help of the Blind Women Trust led by mentors Daudi and Irene Sithole, which is aimed at addressing the personal and social development of the visually impaired, most of who have suffered crude marginalisation being reduced to street beggars, have broken the walls of prejudice.
“As a lady with a disability I am so happy in life that in our country we are offered the chances to get educated and become self reliant. So far I have not acquired the required qualifications to become employed either as a teacher or a lawyer, and at the moment I am studying for my A’level,” says Moreblessing.
However, for Moreblessing to be able to continue with her studies successfully, she needs to be empowered with the right tools, which include a laptop or a Perkins Brailler, especially to write her A’level exams in November. She is also appealing for assistance for exam fees and other fees for her to do computer training at the Dorothy Duncan Centre.
“The challenge is I can’t get the funds for my examination fee; I think very soon the schools will open in May. The May deadline for the examination fees is fast approaching and at the moment I still have not got anything to pay for it,” she says in her appeal.
Moreblessing has not enrolled in a formal institution for her studies, but rather has lecturers who have been coaching her; “I have a combination of arts subjects which I am studying so hard for. I am so grateful for those teachers and lecturers who are coaching me, but to add on to my need for exam fees, I also need a need a machine so I can write the exams. I do not have the funds for this.”

The Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust seeks to deal specifically with the plight of visually impaired women. Doing the interview, Daudi, a High School teacher, who herself lost her sight when she was six years old, is reaching out and giving hope to other women like Moreblessing.
The trust also seeks to demystify certain stereotypes and negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities, that for instance entrench superstitions which blame witchcraft or maternal promiscuity, for the various conditions.
People with disabilities have as a result suffered shame and exclusion in their families and society at large. Daudi and her peers are confronting these attitudes head-on, as they work daily to change these warped perceptions for the dignity and standing of people with disabilities.
Moreblessing also loves to read and does craft-work in her spare time. Well wishers with the heart to support her professional journey to become a lawyer or a teacher, can contact the ZWBT on… Ecocash;+263772941126
Name: Moreblessing Nyabocho