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.