Eric Lijodi: Yes, I’m blind, but I know how to connect with pupils

Eric Lijodi, Emulama primary school blind teacher, uses braille machine to teach children and also uses the same machine to scheme his work. (PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/ STANDARD)

My name is Eric Lijodi. I was born blind but that has not stopped me from achieving my dream career of being a teacher.
I had passion for teaching and I am now a teacher at Emulama Primary School in Kakamega County. I have taught for three years now. When I started teaching, it was such a struggle that I almost gave up. I have learned that in life, adversity is no match for perseverance.

It’s not about vision but about connecting with the students. Students will not learn much even from those with sight if the teacher doesn’t care about them. I use braille machine for lesson preparation, planning and making schemes of work.

To manage classroom discipline, I chat with the pupils to understand them and know where each of them sits.

I constantly move around the classroom during lessons. As I teach, I am usually close to my pupils and this prevents unruly behaviour.

I speak directly to them and illustrate diagrams using words. I usually talk so much because I explain everything with words. When answering questions, pupils say their names first instead of raising up their hands.

I get help from a reader with sight to perform certain tasks like marking attendance records, administrative paperwork and writing grades on report cards.
I use an overhead projector to present what would normally be written on the chalkboard. Other alternatives to writing on the chalkboard which I use include flash cards, flip charts, and posters.
When I need to have something written on the chalkboard, I ask my helper or student to write it for me as I dictate.
To avoid cases of student cheating on tests, I always have a sighted person to monitor tests. My reader helps me to mark all the tests and papers.

I teach creative arts, social studies class and Christian Religious Education.  The main challenge I face is getting a  trustworthy helper. Helpers also demand a lot of money. And when a helper is annoyed with you, they can write or give you wrong information.

My wife is also visually impaired. Doing chores at home is challenging and our security is also a major problem.

I have also trained in marketing, community development and social entrepreneurship in India.