Organisation: Light For The World
Location: Austria
Photographer: E.Fullerton

Receiving glasses restored 12-year-old Rassidatou Ouattara’s confidence. She is now able to see better, focus on class, hang out with her friends and pursue her dream of becoming a journalist.

Rassidatou Ouattara, 12, is a bright student at Korana “C” school in Banfora, Burkina Faso. Two years ago, her life began to change. 

“It all started when my vision started to blur, and it was almost impossible for me to see the writing on the board,” she says.

She struggled to keep up in class and could no longer enjoy playing with her friends after dark. 

“From 6 p.m. onward, I couldn’t go out. I wasn’t happy — my eye problems changed my daily life and deprived me of quality time with my friends,” she says.

Thanks to the “1, 2, 3 I Can See!” child eye health project, led by Light for the World, Rassidatou was seen by an ophthalmologist and received a free pair of glasses. 

“Since I received the glasses, I can see well when I sit at the back of the class. My vision has improved enormously,” she says.

Rassidatou won’t stop there. She has dreams, now clearer than ever. 

“My dream is to become a journalist, to be able to share information with the people of Burkina Faso,” she says.