My name is Ogaa Collins, born on May 2, 1989, in the former Nyanza Province, Kenya. I am the second-born in a family of three—two girls and a boy. My life's journey has been one of overcoming challenges, embracing my disability, and striving to make an impact in the lives of others.
My Testimony
A Journey of Resilience and Vision Beyond Sight
A Journey of Resilience and Vision Beyond Sight
Ogaa Collins
Nyanza Province, Kenya
Bachelor of Education (Arts) - Kenyatta University
Teacher, Advocate & Founder
Educator
Advocate
Founder
Visionary
"My life's journey has been one of overcoming challenges, embracing my disability, and striving to make an impact in the lives of others."
Personal Introduction
Early Life & Diagnosis
At the tender age of two, I was diagnosed with a rare eye condition known as retinoblastoma, a malignant tumor that develops in the retina of young children. Medically, retinoblastoma affects the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, potentially spreading if untreated. Due to the severity of the condition, both of my eyes were surgically removed at Kenyatta Hospital, resulting in total blindness. This meant the beginning of a new journey—coping with disability, self-acceptance, and rehabilitation.
Family Impact
The impact of such a diagnosis on a family is profound. My parents faced not only the emotional toll of having a disabled child but also the financial and social challenges that come with providing specialized care. This condition brought changes that redefined the trajectory of my life and that of my family.
Educational Journey
Primary Education
In 1995, I began my educational journey at St. Oda School for the Blind. There, I was rehabilitated and taught braille, the gateway to education for the visually impaired.
KCPE: 383/500
Secondary & University
I attended Thika High School for the Visually Impaired and later Kenyatta University, graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) in literature and history.
Bachelor's Degree
Career & Advocacy
Teaching Career
In 2015, I became a teacher under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). My teaching career has allowed me to mentor young minds and serve as a role model to students, particularly those with disabilities.
Advocacy Work
My dream is to take my advocacy work to an international stage, shedding light on the plight of people with disabilities in Kenya and across the globe.
CLIP Kenya Mission
Our Vision
To further this mission, we founded the Candle Light Impact Project (CLIP Kenya), a disability-focused organization committed to empowering people with disabilities. Our vision is to break barriers and create a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to education, employment, and equal opportunities.
100%
Inclusive
24/7
Support
∞
Possibilities
❤️
Compassion
Join Our Mission
I invite individuals, organizations, and well-wishers to support CLIP Kenya in making a lasting impact. Together, we can transform lives, advocate for disability rights, and inspire hope. If you share this vision, join us in lighting the candle of empowerment for people with disabilities.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Your emotional, advisory, spiritual, and material support will not only encourage us to continue this great mission but will also open avenues for better living conditions and opportunities for many.
"Through my journey, I have learned that disability is not inability. With faith, determination, and the support of others, we can all achieve greatness, no matter the challenges we face."
People with disabilities lack empowerment, necessary resources, and societal support. Above all, they need empathetic individuals and organizations to provide opportunities, and they will ultimately showcase their aptitude, skills, and remarkable talents. Together, we can change lives, turn despair into optimism, revolutionize people's plight into success, and redefine vulnerability into opportunities.
A Journey of Resilience and Vision Beyond Sight
Jack Oraro
Kenya
Founder & CEO
OraForgeTechnologies (masenoservices.co.ke)
Entrepreneur
Innovator
Visionary
Leader
"Every person, regardless of ability, has a light worth nurturing. Our mission is to help that light shine brighter."
Personal Introduction
I am Jack Oraro, a passionate entrepreneur and visionary leader dedicated to creating positive change in our community. My journey has been driven by a deep commitment to empowering others and building innovative solutions that make a lasting impact.
OraForgeTechnologies
Our Mission
As the founder of OraForgeTechnologies (masenoservices.co.ke), I lead a dynamic team committed to delivering innovative technology solutions that empower businesses and individuals. Our company focuses on creating accessible, user-friendly digital solutions that bridge gaps and create opportunities for all.
Technology Solutions
We develop cutting-edge technology solutions that are accessible and inclusive, ensuring that everyone can benefit from digital innovation.
Community Impact
Through our work, we strive to create positive change in our community by providing opportunities and empowering individuals.
Vision & Values
Innovation
Pushing boundaries and creating solutions that address real-world challenges.
Compassion
Understanding and addressing the needs of our community with empathy.
Collaboration
Working together to achieve greater impact and positive change.
"Disability is not inability. It's an opportunity to show the world what determination and passion can achieve."
Together, we are building a future where inclusion is not a dream but a daily reality. Through technology, innovation, and compassion, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
CLIP-KENYA AMBASSADOR
Vincent Omondi Ochola
Kisumu County, Nyanza Province, Kenya
Teacher by Profession
Koru Girls' High School
Teacher
Ambassador
Advocate
Mentor
"My passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began during my university years when fate connected me to a friend and classmate who was differently abled."
Personal Introduction
My name is Vincent Omondi Ochola, a Kenyan citizen and a teacher by profession. I currently teach at Koru Girls' High School, an extra-county school located in Kisumu County, Nyanza Province, Kenya.
I am honored to serve as an Ambassador for CLIP-KENYA and as an advocate for persons with disabilities.
The University Connection
A Life-Changing Friendship
My passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began during my university years when fate connected me to a friend and classmate who was differently abled. He was also my roommate throughout the four years of study—none other than Mr. Sospeter Omondi Aloka, the founder of CLIP-KENYA.
This friendship transformed my perception positively and inspired me to empathize with, support, and advocate for people with disabilities.
University Support Activities
Visual Support
I often guided visually impaired students to lecture halls and other destinations on campus.
Mobility Assistance
I assisted wheelchair users in moving around campus and accessing various facilities.
Personal Care
I offered personal support such as cooking and washing for those with physical challenges.
These students became not just my friends but my family.
Continuing the Mission
School-Based Advocacy
Given that schools in Kenya are integrated and inclusive, I continue this mission as an ambassador for students with disabilities in the school where I teach. I provide various forms of support to students with disabilities and sensitize other learners to embrace inclusivity, empathy, and support for their peers who are differently abled.
Direct Support
Providing various forms of support to students with disabilities in the school environment.
Inclusivity Education
Sensitizing other learners to embrace inclusivity, empathy, and support for their peers who are differently abled.
"Through empathy, support, and advocacy, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."
As a CLIP-KENYA Ambassador, I am committed to continuing this important work and inspiring others to join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive society for persons with disabilities.
MY JOURNEY WITH DISABILITY
Sospeter Aloka
Kenya & United States
Master's in Special Needs Education
Founder, CLIP-KENYA
Founder
Advocate
Educator
Visionary
"Every person has a light that needs to be nurtured, and every child can learn and succeed—just not in the same way or on the same day."
Early Life & Diagnosis
I cannot clearly remember what happened from preschool until grade 3, but I know that during this time I began struggling to see things far away. That was when I was diagnosed with Keratoglobus, a rare eye disease.
Educational Challenges
Life in primary and high school was very challenging because learning materials were not made accessible to me through proper accommodations. I had to rely more on my sense of hearing than on my sight.
Discovering Support
The Turning Point
The turning point came when my Biology teacher, Mr. Kidera, informed me about the disability services offered by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. I registered with them and began receiving their support.
KCSE with Large Print Materials
University Journey
Kenyatta University
Joining Kenyatta University in Kenya was a great milestone. The university was known for its disability support services, particularly for students with visual impairments at that time.
Bachelor's in Special Needs Education
Leadership Role
From 2012 to 2013, I served as the Special Needs Representative at the university. It was in this great institution that my passion for disability advocacy was nurtured.
Special Needs Representative
Leadership and Advocacy
Candle Light Group
My leadership role at the university helped me grow as an advocate for disability rights. I founded the Candle Light Group for people with disabilities, though it later collapsed.
Teaching Career
In 2015, I was employed by the Teachers Service Commission and taught at Ogande Mixed Secondary School until 2022. Alongside teaching, I continued my disability advocacy within the school and community.
Challenges Along the Way
Job Discrimination
As a person with a disability, I have faced many challenges. I have been discriminated against during job interviews several times.
Travel Challenges
Another significant challenge has been navigating through airports and traveling as a person with a disability.
A New Chapter in the USA
International Experience
In 2022, I was given the opportunity to come to the United States to teach students with developmental disabilities. During this time, I also pursued my second Master's degree in Special Needs Education.
Second Master's Degree
Pursued my second Master's degree in Special Needs Education while teaching in the USA.
Teaching Experience
Teaching students with developmental disabilities in the United States provided valuable international experience.
Reviving the Candle Light Program
CLIP Kenya Mission
In 2023, I revived the Candle Light Program (CLIP Kenya), which nurtures the light of persons with disabilities. At Candle Light, we believe that inclusion is not just a dream but a daily reality. Our journey is one of compassion, innovation, and impact.
2023
Founded
❤️
Compassion
💡
Innovation
🌟
Impact
"Being a person with a disability while teaching students with disabilities has taught me that every person has a light that needs to be nurtured, and every child can learn and succeed—just not in the same way or on the same day."
Our journey at CLIP Kenya is one of compassion, innovation, and impact. We believe that inclusion is not just a dream but a daily reality that we work towards every day.