HELPING THE BLIND

Here is a beutiful reflection by Flavia, one of the students attending St George's British International School who has been taking the Vivi Vejo training course to assist the blind:

"Helping the blind was an extremely exhilarating experience!

 

Giovanna and I were taken to the museum of contemporary art called the Macro, where we discussed the outcomes of being blind, the importance of art and
theatre in their lives, and how they perceived the room they were sitting in. This was all extremely interesting as it allowed me to understand their need
to rely on something else in their lives. Due to not having the privilege of eye sight, the blind seek other aspects of life to try and replace it. Their
love for art and theatre was immense as they spoke passionately about all they had created, or performed in some cases! One woman talked about her love
for colour when painting, which mad me smile as she wasn't able to picture the real-life colour, yet she put that thought aside and was able to imagine
all the colours she associated with objects and create a piece of art. I found this extremely fascinating as they have such a love for life, and fear of
nothing, that I continually question why I, someone who in has everything in their minds, can worry about problems that to them would just seem ridiculous.

 

Then, us who had the ability to see, were set the challenge of walking around the room blind-folded for five minutes. This proved to be extremely challenging
and almost scary as i had no idea what was surrounding me. Yet i had already seen the room for a good hour or so, therefore having some sort of image in
my mind of the structure and format of the room. This therefore led me to question how the blind were able to cope- how could they bare it? How could they
not want to just give up?. I was just left with such an admiration for them, the courage they have to bring for everyday life is immense and the fact they
face it with such confidence and tranquillity really puts everything into perspective. When we were finally told we could open our eyes again i was so
relieved. However, when one thinks about it, i had to put up with five minutes of this torture, the blind have no feeling of relief as they have no chance
of just simply being able to open their eyes again and all would be normal once again. Their sight has been lost forever; and that, is probably what scared
me the most.

 

I learned to appreciate all the gifts and privileges i have. In their eyes I have everything, and whether or not that is the same from my point of view
it does not matter, as i should make the most of all I have been blessed with. I have finally acknowledged this due to having experienced such an event,
and helping people in need- it really is a fantastic feeling knowing you have given a helping hand to someone who desperately needed you."