Reference :
V-P-CM-E-00144
Date :
06/2020
Caption :
Yaoundé. Emmanuel, 19, political science student at the University of Yaoundé. He's a resident of the Foyer Colonel-Daniel-de-Rouffignac for visually impaired people.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
ICRC website, article, 24.06.2020
Cameroon: Navigating the distance created by COVID-19
How do you practice social distancing when you’re blind or visually impaired? Soubiane, Judith, Emmanuel, Brigitte, Jules and Bienvenu all live together in a home for visually impaired people on the outskirts of Yaoundé, Cameroon. They recently told photographer Daniel Beloumou how COVID-19 had affected their daily lives. They may feel more cut-off from the rest of the world, but their optimism and camaraderie help them carry on.
"The home is open to everyone, be they blind, visually impaired, abandoned, orphaned or troubled," says Edwige Mbazoa, now 86, who for more than 20 years has run the Foyer Colonel-Daniel-de-Rouffignac. Under her care and guidance, the couple dozen children and young people who live there are dreaming of finding their place in the wider world, despite the obstacles they face.
(…)
To help the home in these difficult times, the ICRC and the Cameroon Red Cross Society have provided handwashing stations and hygiene items. We also taught the children how to take precautionary measures.
Emmanuel, 19, political science student at the University of Yaoundé
Of my seven brothers and sisters, I'm the only one who's blind. I have river blindness.
I like the law because it allows justice to be served. But because of the pandemic, my classes have been cancelled since March. I hope I can go back soon.
I know that COVID-19 is a deadly disease and no one here wants to catch it. To protect myself and others, I always wear a mask when I go outside and take other precautions as well.
The pandemic has isolated me, but not totally. I still have music, especially R&B, to keep me busy, and I like to read. Edwige, who works tirelessly on behalf of the children in her home, is proud to be able to help them find their way in the world: "Some of them have become lawyers, teachers or engineers. A disability cannot be an excuse for excluding someone from society."
The potential for the spread of COVID-19 has changed things for us at the home. Edwige told us that the crisis "has siphoned away all the funding. The people and organizations that usually support us aren't giving as much."
"COVID-19 has changed things: before, the other students and strangers would offer to help me cross the street. Now everyone is afraid to touch me. I understand that things are different now."
(…)
Edwige, who works tirelessly on behalf of the children in her home, is proud to be able to help them find their way in the world: "Some of them have become lawyers, teachers or engineers. A disability cannot be an excuse for excluding someone from society." The potential for the spread of COVID-19 has changed things for us at the home. Edwige told us that the crisis "has siphoned away all the funding. The people and organizations that usually support us aren't giving as much."
(…)
The residents of the home might be more isolated from the rest of the world, but the ties between them remain just as close.
(…)
On the rare occasions when they do go out, they take all the precautions they can. They’re taking things one step at a time.
Resolution :
4333x6500
Orientation :
portrait
Colour/B&W :
colour
