From Doubt to Empowerment: Blind Teacher Leads Tech Revolution

By Jenifer James

“In the past, many believed a blind person couldn’t use a computer,” Anthony Pitia said, a visually impaired computer instructor at the Rajaf Educational Center for the Blind in Bulluk. “But now, we are changing that.”

For too long, false beliefs have shaped public attitudes, suggesting that blind people cannot use computers, let alone teach them. Anthony is dismantling that narrative, one keystroke at a time.

One morning, a reporter from the Dawn newspaper paid a courtesy visit to Anthony Pitia at the Bulluk centre, where he narrated how he mastered the art of using computers.

“Many used to say, ‘A blind person teaching computers? That’s impossible,’” Anthony recalls as he sits beneath a neem tree outside the centre, his navy-blue shirt and grey trousers crisp under the shade. “But today, we are changing that mindset.”

Using screen-reader software like JAWS (Job Access with Speech), Anthony teaches fellow visually impaired students how to use Microsoft Word, send emails, and create professional documents. JAWS reads aloud every letter typed, allowing users to navigate and interact with digital environments independently.

“I write a letter, I listen to it, I correct it, and then I print,” Anthony explains. “I only need someone to help with signing it; it is that simple.”

Anthony’s journey with computers began in 2012 when Louis Carey, a blind Canadian working with Humanity & Inclusion, arrived in South Sudan to promote disability inclusion. Carey trained one individual, who then trained others, eventually creating a ripple effect that reached Anthony. Today, there are 25 to 30 visually impaired computer users across South Sudan.

“People think we need special computers,” Anthony says. “We don’t. We use the same computers, just with adapted software.”

However, challenges remain. Sometimes, Anthony applies to teach computers in private training centres, but most of the managers of these institutions reject him because of his visual impairment.

“I keep applying to teach in private computer centres, but managers keep rejecting my applications because of my visual impairment,” Anthony said.

Despite these limitations, Anthony remains hopeful. With support from organisations like Humanity & Inclusion and Norwegian Church Aid, more than 40 visually impaired individuals, including university students and even a blind artist, General Paulino Loro, have been trained.

“It’s not just about typing,” he emphasises. “It’s about reclaiming our dignity, proving we belong in the digital age.”

Meanwhile, female activist Zainab Osman, who advocates for gender equality and equity, stated that both women and men can work to develop the country. This can only be achieved if people work in all fields of life, regardless of physical disability, so long as the person is qualified and can perform the work. If Anthony can do it, why not give others a chance?

In February 2024, Dr. Kuyok Abuol Kuyok, the current Minister of Education and former Undersecretary, revealed a troubling statistic: only 20% of South Sudan’s primary and secondary school teachers are professionally qualified.

Out of 64,000 teachers serving in community and public schools, just 15,360 meet the qualifications necessary to deliver effective education.

Anthony is among the qualified teachers in Juba County, Central Equatoria State.

Dr. Kuyok’s statement underscores the severity of the human resource deficit in the education sector and signals an urgent need for reforms and investment in teacher training.

Anthony stated that in Juba, the broader challenges facing teachers with visual impairments were laid bare.

The photo of Rebecca, a person with visual impairment using a computer, as many never believe. (Credit: Jenifer James)

Meanwhile, Rebecca Thom, a person with visual impairment, explained how she learned to use a computer from computer master Anthony Pitia after she acquired the basics in Nairobi.

“I am one of the visually impaired persons who use a computer, although people don’t believe it. Our computer has software that gives us sound while typing; this is how we currently engage with the world of technology.”

Anthony Pitia is a hero not because he defies blindness, but because he empowers others to see their own potential. He breaks barriers, challenges stigma, and opens doors not just for himself, but for an entire generation of visually impaired South Sudanese. In a world that once told him “you can’t,” he teaches others to say, “yes, we can.”

The 2011 National Disability Assessment revealed that 89.3% of people with disabilities were unemployed, underscoring the systemic barriers they face. In February 2023, South Sudan signed the CRPD, committing to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, including their right to employment and education, among others.

NB: “This story is reported with a grant from Journalists for Human Rights under the tackling of mis and disinformation, funded by the peace and stabilization program of the Government of Canada.”