00:00In Nairobi's Umoja estate, I saw in machine hams, not guided by sight, but by memory and unshaken will.
00:10Meet Charles, the tailor who stitches hope into every scene.
00:15Just because I can't see, doesn't mean I stop seeing my future.
00:20Blindness changed Charles' world, but not his purpose.
00:24Many expected him to beg. Instead, he built a business, a family, and a legacy.
00:37My name is Charles Kibbe Mwangi from Muranga County, but I live here in Mojatu, Nairobi.
00:45I have worked as a tailor since 1990.
00:49My eye problem started without me noticing.
00:54I was just sitting here one evening working and my vision started changing, like seeing rainbow colors, purple-ish.
01:03I started struggling to read text messages on my phone.
01:07Given the display, the numbers began looking doubled and blurred at the edges.
01:14I decided to go to hospital to get checked.
01:17The doctor told me I had high eye pressure.
01:22He called it glaucoma.
01:24I used medication for almost three years, but it didn't help.
01:28One day, 2017, on a Sunday, I slept okay, but when I woke up on Monday, my vision was gone.
01:36His hands do what Mini said was impossible.
01:39They see.
01:44From measurements, by God's grace, I was able to mark my tape measure.
01:51If you look closely, you'll see the cracks.
01:54So when I'm taking measurements, I count as I fill the cracks.
01:59For threading, I brainstormed on what gadgets I could use to get the thread into the machine.
02:08I came up with a broomstick.
02:12I just sharpen it and then use it to thread.
02:17Every stitch is a promise, to his children, to his future.
02:27I love my work so much.
02:29When you create something with your own hands, it feels good.
02:32Much better than begging or depending on relatives.
02:37It has become a way of life because when God gives you a family, as a father, you must provide,
02:43whether you are disabled or not.
02:46You have to work so hard that your family stands strong.
02:55I get to spend my day well and provide for my family.
03:07My children are grown now and living their own lives.
03:11We talk on phone and sometimes they visit.
03:14That's how we support each other.
03:19Still, build trust.
03:21Trust, build community.
03:25My name is John Charles.
03:30We don't recognize anyone else here but him.
03:33Why?
03:34Because his work stands out.
03:37He does more than even people who can see perfectly.
03:42Sometimes he only asks two things.
03:46What color is the item or help me choose the right color thread.
03:51That's it.
03:52What keeps me coming back to him is that the things he teaches me as a young person really build
03:59me.
03:59He is older than me.
04:01Not only a friend but someone with nuggets of wisdom.
04:07Chance works because he has something to give.
04:11He's not done yet.
04:17We are sharing this story to remind people.
04:20No matter your situation, don't hide yourself.
04:24Even if you are disabled, don't lock yourself away.
04:28If you are in some occupation, try again.
04:32Show people you are still capable.
04:36When your income drops and your needs stay the same, life becomes tough.
04:43But you can't give up.
04:45Life is a hassle.
04:46Fight back.
04:53When life challenges you, challenge it back.
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