Eighteen-year-old Musa Kamara dreams of becoming a journalist but needs 45,000 Liberian dollars to cover tuition and basic supplies.
Musa Kamara, a visually impaired Liberian youth, is appealing to the national government, humanitarian organisations, and kind individuals for assistance to continue his education at the Liberia School for the Blind.
Musa, who aspires to be a journalist, said he is eager to enrol but cannot meet the school’s financial requirements. He explained that registration fees and basic necessities — including a mattress, soap, buckets, tissues, washing tub, and bedspread — total approximately 45,000 Liberian dollars. He also needs some clothes for his stay at the school.
“My mother has been my only source of support since I lost my sight. Now, she is also caring for my sick father. We simply cannot afford the amount needed for me to enrol,” Musa said during an interview at his family home in Congo Town.
Musa lost his vision at the age of two due to cataracts. In 2012, after three years of blindness, he underwent surgery which restored partial sight in his right eye. He relied on that eye for eight years until 2020, when his sight failed completely.
“When my mother took me back to the hospital, the doctors said my sight could not be restored. She even took me to Guinea and to traditional healers in the countryside, but nothing helped,” he recalled.
Despite these challenges, Musa remains determined to pursue his education and contribute positively to society. “It is painful to be in this condition, but I cannot give up. I do not wish this on any of my friends or family; it is very hard,” he said.
He emphasised that his dream is to complete his secondary education and one day become a journalist to support his family, especially his mother. “My mother has been there for me since I was a baby. Now it is my turn to give back to her,” Musa added.
Musa’s story highlights the daily struggles faced by many persons with disabilities in Liberia who wish to learn and compete equally but lack the necessary opportunities. He is therefore appealing to generous individuals, non-governmental organisations, and government officials to help him achieve his dream.
In addition to educational support, Musa is also seeking assistance to undergo medical treatment abroad in hopes of restoring his sight.
Those interested in supporting Musa can contact him on +231 772 979 554 or +231 880 317 012. He also called on the Press Union of Liberia and media owners to support his aspiration to become a journalist.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
