Braille Teacher in Zambia Encourages Students to Succeed

A former sponsored child from our Kawambwa site in Zambia has become a valuable asset to a school for blind children thanks to his specialized teaching skills!

Fancy was born with albinism, a rare genetic disorder that affects skin pigment and vision. When Fancy was old enough to go to school, he attended St. Odelia’s School for the Visually Impaired, but his family struggled to afford school fees and other basic needs. When he was nine, Fancy was chosen by a Chalice sponsor, which was a great relief for his family. Throughout the years, he thoroughly enjoyed having a close relationship with his sponsor, especially when they wrote to him and sent cards for special occasions. “I felt like I knew them personally,” he smiles. 

Four years ago, after being inspired by his teachers for many years, Fancy decided that he wanted to pursue a career in teaching. “I felt I should help others. I felt I should help teach my friends and colleagues,” he explains.

Now, Fancy teaches computer science and braille at St. Mary’s School for the Visually Impaired in Kawambwa. “Teaching braille is easy,” he says because he knows it so well himself. It’s incredibly important for the school to have a proficient braille teacher, as braille is an essential part of independence and learning for visually impaired students. “Computer science is more challenging,” Fancy explains, because there is only one computer, and it doesn’t have accessible software that produces sound for low-vision users. He extends his thanks to Chalice donors for the embosser the school received through our gift catalog, which has the ability to print in braille! It’s made classwork easier for those who read braille and saves the teachers time preparing tests and exams.  

Fancy’s favorite part of teaching is researching and learning new things. “It feels good to impart that knowledge to others,” he says. He encourages his students to work hard so that they can gain skills to earn an independent living one day. He warns his students that to be uneducated means relying on someone else for everything for their whole lives. 

In his free time, Fancy loves to perform music. He plays accordion and keyboard at church and at events. He loves that he’s found a special place in his community through teaching and socializing with others. 

Fancy sends special greetings to his sponsor, who helped prepare him for his career, and extends his heartfelt appreciation for all of their support. We wish Fancy the best of luck in the future, and are thankful he’s able to pass on his specialized knowledge to visually impaired students in Kawambwa!