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Rudia lives in Tanzania with her daughter, Ebenezeri, and her two nephews, Joseph and Ezekiel. After noticing they were all suffering with eye problems, her dedication to her family would help change their lives.

Both boys had cataracts and Rudia was especially worried about Joseph, who was 10 and had stopped going to school. She feared for his future. Ezekiel struggled too – he was 20 years old and still at school, having been held back for years because of his poor eyesight.

In Tanzania, many families like Rudia’s live long distances from hospitals and struggle to access vital health care.

Rudia wanted to do everything she could to help give her nephews and daughter a chance of a brighter future. Here’s her powerful story in her own words.

“Joseph told me he couldn’t be happy or play when he was at school, which is why he stopped going. He said he felt different because of his poor eyesight and when he tried to join in with his friends, he struggled to keep up. I worried about how lonely and shy he was.

“I said to my husband that even if Joseph has eye problems, going back to school will help him gain confidence and feel good. I have taken over responsibility for Joseph and Ezekiel’s schooling.”