Frederick J M Kamara

Lighting the Darkness Frederick J M Kamara

With this book, the first volume in a series, I didn't presume to write anything of immense importance or of any outstanding nature. The intent was merely to share some of my personal experiences as a blind child, one born in a small African village, among people who believed that blindness was a curse, and then to relate details of my subsequent social contacts and opportunities, my studies, and some of my accomplishments.

I was born in 1946 in Rogbom Sella, in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone, and I lost my sight between the ages of six and ten. But over the years, I went on to study first in Freetown, the nation's capital, then in both England and the United States, eventually earning a B. A. degree and two master's degrees, as well as rising quite high in civil service in my home country.

I fled Sierra Leone in May 1997 because of the bloody coup d'état there. I was fortunate enough to be evacuated by American Marines with the help of my younger brother, Bob, an American citizen.

This book has given me the opportunity to contrast my situation in early life to what I eventually became: a successful, respected, and productive member, not only of my local community, but also of the entire nation. This was made possible by the extensive education that I gained through hard work, determination, perseverance, and the help of many others, including my dear mother.

I am proud to say that I became a trailblazer for blind children in particular, and children and young persons with disabilities in general, in Sierra Leone. Hence the title, Lighting the Darkness.

My brother Bob passed away on January 1, 2009. I dedicate the book to his memory.