Peter Atanga Agarigo
39-year-old Peter Atanga-Agarigo works with blind people in Bongo, in the Upper east Region of Ghana.
Peter (right) with Cletus, who he is one of the people he helps
© © Suzanne Porter
“My name is Peter and I became a volunteer three years ago when I noticed that people who are blind weren’t able to move around or live independently.
Before this I worked as a farmer, farming millet and groundnuts.
Using a white cane
On an average day, I will go and see someone in their home. I show them how to use a white cane. The cane is used to check for objects in your way, and to feel for things like steps, and the edge of the road. I also show people the routes to their friends’ houses, the market and other places they may want to go to.
Helping Abugre
One lady I helped is 52-year-old Abugre. She’s been blind for over 40 years, but it is only now she’s older that she finds it harder to cope. I helped her learn how to move around independently so now she can find things in the house, and go to the market by herself.
I spend two hours of each day training blind people, and work with about forty people. I then go back to the office to make sure my notes are up to date.
I enjoy my job because I am able to help the community.”
