Blind man gets the equipment needed to study again
Willard Batteries assisted Mhlengi Mthethwa by sourcing all the special equipment he needs to achieve his education dreams.
Mhlengi Wilson Mthethwa from Lamontville, Chatsworth, near Durban, is finally in a position to pursue his dream of obtaining a tertiary qualification.
Mthethwa was unable to complete high school. He was born with normal vision, but during high school, his eyesight deteriorated to the point that he became completely blind, forcing him to drop out.
It has always been his dream to continue his education, and he has finally been accepted to study towards a National Vocational Certificate in Transport and Logistics at Umfolozi College. He secured an NSFAS bursary for his tuition and accommodation – in fact, he is already there!
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However, Mthethwa needs specialised equipment to help him complete his assignments, read printed materials, and keep up in class.
To do this, he requires a laptop, recorder, page reader, and special computer programs.
He cannot afford to buy these and would be grateful for second-hand equipment. Without these tools, he's worried that his impairment may cause him to fall behind. That's why his uncle wrote to Good Morning Angels for assistance in helping him overcome this final hurdle in his pursuit of a better future.
REQUEST FOR: Mhlengi Wilson Mthethwa from Lamontville, KwaZulu-Natal
ANGEL 1: Dave Arnold, representing Willard Batteries
SPONSORSHIP: The Willard Bursary Fund is providing Mhlengi with all the necessary equipment, valued at R34,800. We have already sourced everything, and it will be sent to him shortly.
ORIGINAL REQUEST:
To whom it may concern,
Greetings to you all in your respective capacities. I would like to share my nephew’s story with you in the hope of securing the help he needs to continue his studies.
His name is Mhlengi Wilson Mthethwa, from Lamontville, Chatsworth, near Durban. He was born with normal eyesight, but during high school, he started experiencing vision problems and, eventually, became completely blind. He was forced to drop out of school.
Mhlengi is a hard worker who has adapted to living with his condition and has found ways to navigate life. He has accepted his situation, though it has not been easy, as the cause of his blindness remains unknown. Doctors did everything they could through surgeries and medication, but his vision could not be restored.
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Despite these challenges, he applied to college, and against all odds, he was accepted! Now, he is looking for support, and he has written the following email.
Mhlengi's email:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application for a bursary to support my educational pursuits. As a person living with a visual disability, I face unique challenges in accessing education, but I am determined to succeed.
I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted to study at Umfolozi College, Emalangeni Campus, and I am eager to begin my studies this year. However, I require specialised equipment to assist me in my learning. Unfortunately, NSFAS has not approved funding for my equipment, which is why I am reaching out to your organisation for support.
Despite the obstacles, I remain committed to furthering my education, and I humbly request your assistance.
The equipment I need includes:
A laptop – to access digital materials, take notes, and complete assignments.
A recorder – to record lectures and tutorials for later reference.
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) – a screen reader software that enables me to navigate digital content independently.
A page reader – a device that assists me in reading printed materials.
With this equipment, I will be able to fully participate in my classes, complete assignments, and achieve my academic goals. Your support will not only provide me with the necessary tools but will also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and equal access to education.
I promise to use this equipment responsibly and efficiently, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose.
With your support, I am confident that I will excel academically and make a meaningful contribution to my community.
Thank you for considering my application. Your generosity will have a profound impact on my educational journey and my future.
Kind regards,
Mhlengi W. Mthethwa
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