“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” 

– Nelson Mandela.

During a recent outreach program in Bajawa, Flores, our team screened hundreds of men, women, and children from remote and underserved communities.

Among those we met were two remarkable children, Yohanes and Monika, who had been struggling with cataract blindness.

Monika was completely blind in both eyes due to untreated cataracts, while Yohanes had lost sight in one eye, limiting his ability to fully engage with the world around him.

Their families made the long and difficult journey, over eight hours, to reach our screening site, driven by hope for a better future.

Bajawa, located on Flores Island in Indonesia, is the capital of Ngada Regency, which lies east of Ruteng in East Nusa Tenggara province.

Here, healthcare infrastructure is scarce, and many families face significant challenges in accessing basic health services, including eye care.

Without surgery, Monika and Yohanes faced a lifetime of permanent blindness, lost potential, and countless missed moments.

The loss of sight, even in one eye, can drastically affect a child’s development, impacting their ability to learn, move confidently, connect with others, and build the foundations of a full and independent life.

Thanks to your support, both children received free cataract surgeries performed in a safe, sterile environment by our expert medical team of ophthalmologists, nurses, and support staff.

These surgeries have given Yohanes and Monika a chance to experience the world in ways many of us never even think about.

It means having the freedom to explore passions, grow new skills, and one day build careers that can uplift not just themselves, but their entire families.

Yohanes and Monika’s cases are powerful reminders of why our work is so critical.

How many more children like them are still waiting in remote areas for a chance to see?

With your continued generosity, we can break the cycle of preventable blindness in Indonesia, giving children like them a chance to see clearly and live happy, healthy lives.

Watch their inspiring journey and see the impact of your support in our latest video.