Who We Are

I'm Amanda, and I live near Austin, TX. During the pandemic, I began repairing braille writers, not realizing the profound impact it would have. Through this work, I connected with Joash Aswani, a dedicated braille writer repair technician in Kenya. Joash is a member of the online brailler repair group I created in 2022 to support and unite repair techs and users worldwide. You can find the brailler repair group at the link below.

You can find me at the following links:

And you can find Joash here:

Joash is not only a valued member of our community but also a devoted father working tirelessly to support two schools for the blind in Thika, Kenya. I am committed to helping Joash raise the necessary funds to send his son Oliver to medical school. Your support will directly impact their lives and the well-being of their community. Every dollar raised will go towards Oliver’s education and related expenses. Thank you for your generosity. Please scroll to the bottom to view documentation. Currency is in KES. 

Our Mission

Joash and I launched an initiative to raise funds to purchase and ship braillers and brailler parts to Thika, Kenya, supporting the two schools for the blind where Joash works. This effort comes during a time of civil unrest in Kenya, and Joash is also working tirelessly to fund his son Oliver’s medical school tuition while caring for his other two children.

The Current Situation

Our initiative has been delayed as Joash focuses on securing tuition, technology, textbooks, and other costs for Oliver, while also falling behind on his own bills. Joash, a single father and widower of five years, works at two local schools for the blind in Thika. He has raised $750 USD to send Oliver, nearly 18, to Uzima University in Kisumu, Kenya, to study surgery and medicine.

Why It Matters

Joash’s journey as a single parent and widower has been one of resilience and determination. Guiding Oliver through high school and now onto university, especially in the face of such a profound loss, is an incredible achievement. The loss of Oliver’s mother at a young age, under such heartbreaking circumstances, clearly had a deep impact on both their lives.

Oliver's decision to pursue medicine instead of his childhood dream of becoming a pilot is a testament to his compassion and desire to make a difference in his community. His mother’s preventable death due to delayed treatment in the ICU has become a powerful motivator for him to dedicate his life to ensuring others don’t suffer the same fate. By choosing to become a doctor, Oliver is not only honoring his mother’s memory but also positioning himself to contribute significantly to the healthcare system in his country.

The Impact of Becoming a Doctor

For a young man in Kenya, becoming a doctor would be life-changing. It would elevate his socio-economic status and provide financial stability. On a larger scale, it would enable him to address the severe shortage of medical professionals in Kenya, which currently has only about 2.3 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the WHO's recommended ratio of one doctor per 1,000 people. His role would be crucial in improving healthcare access and quality, saving lives, and enhancing the well-being of his community. Additionally, his success can inspire other young Kenyans to pursue higher education and careers in medicine, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

How You Can Help

Your contribution will directly support Oliver's education and his journey to becoming a doctor. Funds raised will go towards tuition, technology, textbooks, and other necessary expenses. Together, we can help Oliver achieve his dream and make a lasting impact on the healthcare system in Kenya.

Donate Now

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your network. Every dollar counts and brings Oliver one step closer to achieving his dream.

Thank You

Thank you for your support and generosity. Your help is making a difference in the lives of Joash, Oliver, and the community they serve.