My name is Denise Mwenedata and I was born in Rwanda in 1985. I am the fourth child of eight so our home was always full of people. I loved playing with my siblings. My parents were both teachers, and my dad became a headmaster when I was young. They encouraged my siblings and I to study hard. I always thought that I would be doctor when I grew up, but in April 1994 &hel....
On Sunday 9th February 2014, our home was ravaged by bushfire. It was a time of devastation and darkness. Losing everything isolates and irrevocably changes you. Coming to terms with the fact that everything was gone, all but the dress I was wearing when I fled the fire was confronting and surreal. I remember the day I went back and sat in the ashes, alone, thinking, “If I si....
I did not grow up an animal lover or with any dreams of living a rural life. In fact, when I was in my early twenties I spent some time living and working near London and in the heart of the city of Edinburgh. I loved the energy and excitement of city living and always thought that would be the world I would return to. So no one was more surprised than me when in …....
My name is Bunsiri ‘Boon’ Phuengkaew. I live in Thailand. I have been almost completely blind from birth. I can see the outlines of big buildings; I can see faces, but no details. I can’t see smiles, blinks or when people pull faces. I can’t remember faces, but I do recognise voices. I can’t see steps when I’m walking. I use my feet when I clean to f....
Sunday morning. It is time to wake up. As soon as I get up I go and scan my face in the mirror. This ordinary object became my enemy about ten years ago. The first thing I notice are new pimples on my face. Although I despise what I see, I will pretend that I am fine. I can’t change the way it is so I decide to get on with the day. I get …....
