Ruth Oyier, a 47-year-old woman in Vihiga County may be deaf but that has not stopped her from bringing hope and positivity to others.
Ruth lost her hearing ability at age 12 and her family members and people around her were shocked. “They thought it was witchcraft but with time they understood it was a call to serve the helpless cohort of the community,” she says.
Since then she has devoted her life to reaching out to people living with disability and others in need.
Her earlier years were full of difficulties ranging from rejection to lack of school fees to fund her education.
“I was very needy when I was in school until the National fund for disabled in Kenya came to my aid and helped me join Daystar University,” she said.
At some point Ruth dropped out of school but she used that time to volunteer for others. She became a teacher at St Angela Mumias for the deaf.
“So when I see some needy learners, it reminds me of my past and I do not hesitate to help them at all costs,” she said.
She narrated how she helped a young boy who was born with a rare condition and was sent away from school because the condition had caused him a wound that was getting worse. Ruth said she reached out to well-wishers and the boy received treatment at Aga Khan Hospital
“When you do have a disability you do not have friends. That’s why I chose to volunteer and impact the lives of others especially those who are deaf like me,” she explained.
“It is not easy for a person with special needs to feel confident about helping others because more often, they face constant struggles in life; at home, in school and in their work place,” added Ruth.
Now Vihiga County National Council for persons with Disability director, Ruth has befriended and journeyed with many deaf clients and those in need.
She says while the National Council for persons with Disability supports one with tuition fees, when it comes to personal requirements it’s the responsibility of a parent to fulfill that.
“There are cases where we have orphaned children with no income, in this case I do my level best to make sure they receive education by assisting them,” she said.
She is currently assisting a needy boy Daniel Otieno to get school requirements and is determined to see him through secondary school successfully.
“I always find joy in volunteering. I once helped a young girl who was a total orphan go back to school after she dropped out in class eight. I was able to get her a scholarship and she is completing form four this year,” she narrated adding: “It feels good to give back to the community.”
To fulfill her desire to better impact the lives of the disadvantaged, Ruth is currently pursuing a PhD degree in special needs and has a keen interest in helping children born with disability.
Her PhD research aims at helping pre-lingual deaf children and children who are born deaf or became deaf shortly after birth become successful in life.
Currently these categories of deaf learners have never made it to degree level due to challenges they encounter in accessing the curriculum.
Like Ruth, each of us can discover our greatness within us. Despite our circumstances and physical abilities, we can still bring love, comfort and hope to those around us.
By Rose Wasike
