Blindness does not deter Xikae
15 Dec 2015
Being visual impaired does not necessarily mean the world should come to a halt. Rather, it simply means one should work twice as hard or make
an extra effort in everything they do, which is really commendable. According to a famous quote by well-known American activist, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, “Faith is taking the first step even when you do not see the whole
staircase”. Simply put, one should remain courageous towards their dream even if they cannot see the path ahead.
This is precisely evident in Xhinye Xikae’s life. Twenty-two-year-old, visual impaired young man from Gumare is a true testimony that despite challenges and hardships, self- drive, determination and obscene confidence, can make one achieve greater heights in life.
Despite his disability, Xikae who was recently hired by Cook Tree Investment as a receptionist has had a tough life.
“Both my parents have passed away and I am only left with my aunt. There is no solid support system at home; so coming to work refreshes my mind,” he says.
From first impression, Xikae is professed as someone who is reticent and reserved; but that is not the case.
He is opinionated, independent and a carefree individual who has a heart of gold.
It was in 2014 that he went for a three-week training in orientation and mobility at Mochudi Resource for the Blind, which is helped him to get familiar with the environment he is living in.
Also, he was taught communication and interpersonal skills, which are vital in today’s frugality. Xikae’s dream and aspiration is to see himself as a prominent businessman in the area, preferably in real estate.
His dream is to be a land lord Already, he plans to use his earnings to build a house in which he can lay a head on.
The one-roomed house, which he is sharing with his aunt, he says, is delapilated. Xikae, who is not yet financially stable, also plans to pursue a certificate in cookery. He urges people living with disabilities not to look down upon themselves, rather he says they should accept their disabilities.
He says they should look up to one famous Ray Charles, who was visual impaired and a achieved a lot despite his disability.
Xikae, who is a devoted member of Holy Ghost International Ministries says prayer has been his pillar of strength, adding that everything is possible with God.
“When one bows down and tell God what they want surely it shall be granted unto them.”
Also, he says they should not feel discouraged and stressed, instead they should seek counselling and receive proper help they need.
Keemetse Morotsi, 32-year- old, trained orientation and monitoring instructor from Mochudi Resource for the Blind, and also Xikae’s appointed right- hand man says it is easy to work with Xikae, more so that he is intelligent and self-driven.
“I have a passion for working with people with disabilities.
I used to volunteer and attend workshops dealing with people with disabilities, hence I was appointed by the Okavango Sub District Council to work as Xikae’s instructor and I embraced the opportunity with both hands,” says Morotsi.
Morotsi prepares Xikae for work daily, ensuring that warm water is available for him to bath and clothes are clean.
Also, he imparts knowledge in terms of assessing his body position, teaching him cardinal points and making him familiar with his working environment.
Morotsi says the public, counselors and social workers and parents should accept and embrace people living with disabilities and assist them in many ways than one to make their lives easier.
“My longing is to see a rehabilitation centre being built in Gumare for the mentally challenged; to nurture and assist them from young age,” he says.
The director of Cook Tree Investments; Elias Diranyane says Xikae is close to his heart.
“I saw him walking down the street on his own and I was amazed with what I saw,” he says.
I decided to enquire at the rehabilitation office at the Okavango Sub District Council to know if I could help this young man with anything.
“I then decided to hire him as a receptionist,” says Diranyane.
He says people living with disability should not be left to fight the struggle alone. He says they need all sorts of support to make a difference.
He commends companies like Choppies Group for hiring people with disabilities.
“Back in the day when my company was doing well I used to give five percent of my profits to the community or needy persons. I even sponsored three students at Ngethu Brigade. I paid their tuition fees and also gave them an allowance to keep them going. Xikae is no exception, I am just helping where I can,” says Diranyane. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Segolame Seidisa
Location : Gumare
Event : Interview
Date : 15 Dec 2015
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