Never Too Late to Learn
Bekele is a Grade 7 student, a farmer, and a father of five. He lives in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia and attends a primary school through the government’s adult education program, which provides free learning opportunities for adults over age 20.
Bekele returned to school to improve his knowledge and build a better future for himself and his family. He explained that many adult learners stop attending classes once they master basic reading and writing skills, often after completing Grades 1 or 2. Bekele, however, was determined to continue his education and pursue his dream of learning.
Balancing farming, family responsibilities, and school is not easy, but Bekele remains committed to his studies. One major challenge was difficulty seeing the writing on the classroom board, which made it hard to follow lessons and participate fully.
During an eye screening conducted through Cure Blindness Project’s school eye health program, Bekele’s vision problem was identified. We provided him with eyeglasses, which greatly improved his ability to see clearly in the classroom and in daily life.
We know that many patients arrive at an outreach knowing they can’t see well but may not know the reason. Whether vision loss is caused by cataracts or another condition, we’re committed to working with partners to find solutions. In some cases, like Bekele’s, a simple pair of glasses can make all the difference.
Bekele is deeply thankful for the support he received. He says:
Today, Bekele continues his studies at Harbe Nikana Primary School while supporting his family through farming. His dedication to learning inspires other adults in his community and shows that it is never too late to pursue an education.
