Courtesy of UDPK
From Diagnosis to Direction: My Journey of Purpose, Power, and Possibility
Esther Wambui had just started university when life took an unexpected turn.
“I was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” she recalls. “That’s when everything changed. I became visually impaired and developed epilepsy after the operation.”
What followed was a period of disorientation. Esther found herself navigating not only the physical and emotional impact of her diagnosis, but a world that suddenly seemed full of closed doors. The simple act of accessing study material became a mountain. Digital platforms weren’t built for someone like her.
But where most would see a dead end, Esther began to sketch a new path.
Technology as a Turning Point
Scrolling through social media one day late 2021, Esther came across a post about the IT Bridge Academy, an inclusive training initiative supported by Sightsavers and the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) and other partners. The Academy offered skills in areas like Cisco networking and soft-skills development — with a focus on persons with disabilities.
It piqued her interest. “I was getting curious about tech because I had to start using assistive devices just to access things I used to take for granted,” she says. “I wanted to understand how all this worked. That’s what pulled me in.”
She joined the academy, not fully knowing what to expect. What she found was far more than technical training.
A Space to Belong, A Space to Grow
“The Academy gave me accessible training and, equally important, a sense of belonging,” Esther says. “I was surrounded by other persons with disabilities, people who understood the journey I was on. It became a place of healing as much as learning.”
She didn’t just gain IT knowledge — she discovered new parts of herself. Confidence. Leadership. The ability to communicate in teams, to coordinate group tasks. She began stepping into roles of responsibility.
“Eventually, I found myself helping to lead group projects. I didn’t plan it — it just happened because I was engaged, and I cared.”
From Trainee to Trailblazer
After graduating from the IT Bridge Academy, Esther applied for an internship opportunity within the same program. She threw herself into the work — managing activities, building relationships with stakeholders, and showing initiative at every turn. That’s when a new door opened.
“When a program officer role became available at UDPK — one of the implementing partners — I applied. I had real experience by then. I understood the program inside-out, both as a participant and from an admin point of view. I nailed the interview.”
Today, Esther is a Program Officer at UDPK, a role that lets her give back to the very community that once uplifted her.
Why This Work Matters
“To serve in a space that once served me is an honour,” she says. “Every time I look at the participants, I see myself. I know what it feels like to need a shot at something meaningful.”
Esther’s position now allows her to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities — to bring their needs, challenges, and aspirations into rooms where decisions are made.
The Gaps That Still Need Filling
While the IT Bridge Academy changed her life, Esther is clear-eyed about the work that remains.
“Yes, the program gave us access to learning,” she says, “but it wasn’t fully designed with the diversity of disability in mind. For example, people with intellectual disabilities also have the capacity to learn IT — but the content must be tailored for them.”
She also calls for expansion — both in curriculum and scale. “We’ve only scratched the surface with tech training. What about AI, content creation, or digital accessibility testing? And what about mental health support? What about including families and caregivers in the journey?”
A Message to Others
To youth with disabilities, Esther offers this:
“Your disability doesn’t define your limits. If you’re doubting yourself, try anyway. You’ll be surprised by what you can do — and who you become.”
Looking Forward
Esther continues to push boundaries, not just for herself, but for others. Her story is one of transformation — from student to leader, from silence to advocacy.
And her message to donors and program designers is just as clear:
“Programs like IT Bridge Academy don’t just train individuals — they change lives, families, and communities. But they need to grow. They need to evolve with us.”
Because when people like Esther are given the tools, the space, and the trust — they don’t just rise. They lift others with them.