Lucky Bukowa is a 25-year-old man from Syambabala Ward in Gwembe District who lives with both his parents. Born without any disability, Lucky was once a vibrant young boy with dreams and aspirations like any other child hoping for a successful future.
His life changed tragically while he was in Grade 7. One day, while taking cattle out for grazing, a stone accidentally struck his eye, causing him to lose sight in one eye. Despite the painful experience, Lucky remained hopeful and went on to write his Grade 7 examinations.
However, while waiting for his examination results, another devastating accident occurred. While once again taking animals out for grazing, Lucky lost sight in his second eye in a similar incident, leaving him completely blind.
The situation brought great sadness to Lucky and his family. They lost hope and struggled to see a way forward or understand how he could rebuild his life.
In early 2024, a sensitization meeting on the Disability Inclusion Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) Project was conducted in Chabbobboma. One of the activities involved engaging and mobilizing persons with disabilities within the community. Lucky attended the meeting and later joined other persons with disabilities in forming a support group where members regularly met, shared experiences, and learned from one another.
Today, through various trainings, mentorship sessions, and interactions facilitated under the project, Lucky has become a transformed and confident young man. He has accepted his disability and now views life with renewed hope and determination.
Lucky is currently a member of the Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Network in Gwembe District and operates a mobile money business within his community. Through the project, he has also had opportunities to interact with other persons with disabilities from outside Gwembe District. These interactions exposed him to inspiring stories of people who have excelled in life despite facing disabilities, giving him motivation and confidence to pursue his own goals.
“I thought my life had ended when I became blind. I never imagined that one day I would be able to run a business, meet different people, and have hope again. Through the DIDRR project, I have learned that disability does not mean inability,” said Lucky Bukowa.
Lucky shared that before joining the project, he never imagined he would travel, meet new people, or actively participate in community activities again. Today, he sees possibilities where he once saw limitations.
He expressed sincere gratitude to ADRA Zambia and Christian Blind Mission through the DIDRR Project for restoring his hope and empowering him with knowledge, confidence, and life skills. According to Lucky, the project has completely changed the way he looks at life and encouraged him to embrace every opportunity that comes his way.
Story by: Cynthia Nyirenda
English