By: James Kollie
Voinjama City, Lofa County – Life has been exceptionally challenging for Madam Krubo Kollie, a visually impaired woman in her 60s, and her three children—two of whom are also blind. Their story is a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by families navigating disability in a society that often overlooks their needs.
Madam Kollie has lived in Voinjama with her children for the past five years, describing their circumstances as “hell.” She struggles to understand how her children lost their sight, calling their situation “unbearable.”
Her eldest daughter, Yassa Kollie, became blind in her early 20s and is now in her 40s. She has six children—four before she lost her sight and two afterward.
She said her husband left her because he was unable to cope with the challenges of raising a family affected by blindness. “He told me that he doesn’t want to keep a blind woman,” Yassa recounted with a heavy heart.
Zayzay Kollie, 28, lost his sight while preparing to take his WASSCE exams in 2017, forcing him to drop out of school. He shares the family’s struggles, highlighting their daily battle to find food and the deplorable condition of their shelter.
Madam Kollie’s home is in disrepair, and many nights they go to bed hungry. The only source of support for the family is Kormassa Jallah, her daughter, who is also experiencing problems with her eyesight. Kormassa works daily jobs to provide for her family but often struggles to make ends meet.
“We are calling on humanitarian organizations and kind-hearted individuals to help us with food and materials to repair our home,” Kormassa pleaded. The family’s resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring, yet their need for assistance is urgent as they seek a better quality of life.
In a world that can feel dark, the Kollie family’s story sheds light on the importance of community support and compassion for those facing life’s most difficult challenges.
