Life at Bura Vocational Rehabilitation Centre in Taita-Taveta was not easy at all. I went through many different challenges.
After attending an interview at the Kilifi Social Services Office, I was offered the opportunity to attend Bura Vocational Rehabilitation Centre.
On 20 February 1991, I travelled to Mombasa (Mwembe Tayari), where there were buses going to Taveta. I booked my ticket, and at around 9:00 a.m. the bus departed towards Voi. It was the first time in my life that I had travelled such a long distance.
We arrived in Voi at around 12:00 noon. The bus stopped, and passengers got off to buy food and drinks, while others went to pray. After about half an hour, at 12:30 p.m., the bus continued its journey through Mwatate towards Bura Mission.
When I got off at Bura Mission, I took a matatu to Mugange Nyika. At around 3:30 p.m., I arrived at Bura, where Mr. Kitone was waiting to take me to the college.
About fifteen minutes later, we reached Bura Vocational Rehabilitation Centre. I was warmly welcomed, registered, and shown where I would sleep. I put my belongings in a cupboard and met many other disabled students with different types of disabilities.
When it was time for supper, we all went to the dining hall. We were served maize and beans. I was not used to this kind of food because at home in Bamba I was accustomed to eating ugali and meat.
That night, I went to bed in the dormitory.
The following morninpg, we cleaned the compound, polished the floors in the hall, and cleaned the classrooms.
After about three weeks, all the students had arrived, and we had to go through another interview with our manager, Mr. Bathelenew Atanga Obondo. He was a very strict man, a Luo by tribe.
Students were called in one by one until it was my turn. I was very nervous, but I prayed to God before going in. I answered many questions, although I kept thinking that if I failed, I would have to return home to Bamba.
But God is always good.
For the first week, I was assigned to the woodwork department. I struggled to hold the chisel because my arm is disabled. I even hit myself with the hammer, but I persevered.
Later, I was transferred to the agriculture department. There, I had to dig with only one arm. I felt a lot of pain, but I kept trying. Eventually, the work became too difficult for me.
I was then moved to the shoemaking department. This also proved to be very challenging. Putting my disabled hand inside the shoe and sewing was extremely difficult. It was one challenge after another.
Finally, I was told to return home to Bamba. That night, I went to bed and prayed to God, asking Him to help me succeed because this felt like my last opportunity. Some of my fellow students had already been sent home.
On Monday morning, I was sent to the Tailoring and Dressmaking Department, which was led by Mr. Aloice Njeru, the Deputy Manager. He was an elderly man, full of wisdom and kindness.
When I arrived at the workshop, I was given a Pfaff sewing machine. I tried pushing the pedal, and soon the machine began to run smoothly. Mr. Njeru said, “I will give you a chance in my department.”
That was how I finally found my place in tailoring.
Learning to sew clothes was not easy, but I remained determined and patient. I carefully followed every instruction my teacher gave me.
In November 1992, I sat my Trade Test Grade III examination, and on 28 November 1992, I successfully passed.
It was a moment of great joy and proof that perseverance, faith, and determination can overcome even the greatest challenges.