A young blind man named Aviwe Mado bagged a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is on track to fulfill his dream of becoming a Lawyer.
Mado, from Eastern Cape in South Africa earned a bachelors degree in Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies at the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2021. He said losing his eyesight made his studies more difficult, but the added challenge also made the reward of becoming a university graduate much sweeter.
He was born with Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. He started losing his sight gradually until he became blind at the age of 16.
“Getting a degree from UP has set me apart from other graduates,” he says. “The fact that I live with a disability but managed to get a degree is a win for me. It is also motivation for people in my village that they too can achieve their goals,” she said.
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Mado mentioned that his experience as a student at the university was great however the first year of studying, was very challenging. “I’ve received so much support from my peers and lecturers; my disability has not stopped me from getting good marks in any way,” Mado said.
He said he faced difficulties during his first year of university due to unfamiliarity with computers and the campus environment but he overcame them through practice, therapy, and the assistance of a mobility trainer provided by the university’s disability unit.
The university’s mobility trainer, Juan Erwee said there was a huge difference in him upon graduation. He said Mado has made significant progress in three years, transforming from being heavily reliant on others to becoming a mentor for new visually impaired students.
Juan stated that he encouraged Mado to use technology, and he completed his degree within the standard three-year timeframe, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic. ”I’ve always encouraged him to make use of technology to perform tasks so that he didn’t have to rely too much on other people,” Juan said.
”He has taken this to heart to the extent that we were able to continue with his studies throughout the pandemic, and he has finished his first degree within the standard three-year allocation,” he added.
Juan said he is proud of Mado’s dedication and achievements, given the challenges he faced. He believes that Juan’s future academic pursuits will even be more successful adding that he is sure his next degree will be an even greater success than this.
Mado is currently enrolled at the same University of Pretoria for a Bachelor of Law degree. He said in five years, he sees himself as a lawyer, and he will prosper despite his disability. “I will probably be working in the Constitutional Court inspiring others,” he said.
He advises those living with disabilities to dream big and know their passion. “Don’t let your disability prevent you from achieving your goals. Greatness comes to those who act,” Mado said.
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