Spectacles to change children’s outlook

Young children in Katlehong receive first-ever much-needed spectacles at moving celebration.

July 14, 2015

3 minutes read

Dr Mikateko Shisana (seated in front) and Pastor Xola Nzo (seated centre) together with the Change Bible Church leadership join in with the happy young beneficiaries of the I CAN SEE NGO at the spectacles handover, as they chant “I can see”, “I can see”. This was the first time these children had received much-needed visual support. Shisana is the founder of the NGO. Photo by: Change Bible Church Youth Media.

At the life-changing I CAN SEE spectacular change event, last Sunday, 24 young, visually impaired children from Katlehong were the happy recipients of their first-ever pair of much-needed spectacles.

At this inaugural event, held at the Change Bible Church, in Katlehong, the partnership between the I CAN SEE NGO, the Change Bible Church and optometric sponsor SpecSavers, brought life to the vision shared by these three stakeholders and vision to those unable to see properly.

I CAN SEE was founded by medical practitioner Dr Mikateko Shisana, a member of the Change Bible Church, earlier this year in response to teachings on God’s vision for our lives by Pastor Xola Nzo, nephew of ANC stalwart Alfred Nzo.

Passionate about children and good health, Shisana sacrificed funds she had saved for her 40th birthday party celebration and cash gifts received from friends and family, to launch the I CAN SEE organisation, which supports children suffering from visual impairment.

“As a child raised by a single mother from a humble background, I feel highly favoured and blessed when I look at my journey to date and I know that it was all from having Jesus as the author,” she said.

“This project is an opportunity to touch and impact someone’s life at a very young age.

“My wish is for these children to look back and say that God sent someone to meet their area of need that would impact on their future.”

The I CAN SEE NGO will help to identify and support children who have poor vision, in order to reduce the learning challenges related to being unable to see properly.

Screening, testing and spectacles will be supplied to those in need.

“We ultimately want to empower children to study effectively and receive a good education,” said Shisana.

“The project was launched in June, in acknowledgement of Youth Month and the importance of education.

“The NGO plans on partnering with corporates, international and local NGOs, trusts and churches to provide the service and reach disadvantaged children in rural areas within South Africa.

“Giving back to communities is a key element of the project.”

Martinus Prinsloo, from SpecSavers, shared a few words with congregants at the handover of the spectacles, expounding the value of the project.

The grateful children received their glasses and were given children’s Bibles, beautifully packaged in a fun backpack in the branding of I CAN SEE and Change Bible Church.

They proceeded to honour Shisana by proudly presenting her with a birthday cake and singing jubilantly in acknowledgement of her big day.

Ambassador of the Children’s Church, Naledi Mahlangu (10), thanked Shisana in a moving speech.

This life-changing project was born in the Change Bible Church under the leadership of Nzo.

“Our Heavenly Father targeted people who were marginalised and neglected by society,” he said.

“He healed the sick, the lame and the blind.

“We will support Dr Shisana’s NGO and thereby our community’s children.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

The children who received glasses are Anathi Mbele (16), Bonolo Chere (13), Busisiwe Legwa (11), Kabelo Khumalo (12), Kamohelo Motaung (13), Kananelo Masedi (8), Katieho Tsolo (11), KC Mashele (14), Kearabetsoe Lerata (7), Kearabetswe Kalane (11), Kgomotso Ndlazi (12), Lindiwe Ndlovu (13), Lungelo Sehlogo (14), Mpho Mofokeng (10), Naledi Mahlangu (10), Nhlakanipho Ndwandwe (11), Reabetswe Mafanvolle (13), Sandile Potse (7), Sifiso Potso (7), Swazi Maphalala (13), Thato Mahlangu (13), Veliswa Simelane (6), Yolanda Simelane (14) and Zwelibanzi Dladla (12).

The celebration attracted several dignitaries, including representatives from the office of the Mayor of Ekurhuleni; well-known sports presenter Walter Mokoena and managing director of Royal Haskoning DHV, Salani Sithole.