Amidu “Francis” Kayina

Chaplain/Farmer

Lunsar, Sierra Leone

Amidu “Francis” Kayina, a farmer and chaplain in Lunsar, Sierra Leone, has refused to let blindness rob him of his independence.

As an ophthalmic nurse at the Baptist Eye Hospital in Lunsar, Sierra Leone, Francis took care of many blind patients, many of whom were new to blindness and struggling with the loss of vision. When Francis himself became blind due to multiple glaucoma surgeries in his mid-40s, he became chaplain at the eye hospital, continuing to help patients with a layer of empathy that only another blind person could offer.

Baptist Eye Hospital offers an Agricultural Rehabilitation for the Blind, which aims to empower blind people to continue taking care of themselves and their families, even without the ability to see. Francis attended this training many years ago, learning how to farm as a blind man, and over the years has encouraged other blind people to participate in the training.

In early 2016, Francis learned Just Hope’s farming methods at a community workshop. He was excited by the “planting station” method it taught and knew it would save him a lot of energy.

Francis wants to share what he has learned with other blind farmers. He and Just Hope employee John Bangura have planted a six-by-six-meter demonstration plot at the eye hospital, and tweaked the techniques for the needs of blind farmers. He is also working with Shanty on tools designed specifically to allow blind farmers to lay out plots themselves.

Current Programs

Farming and Finance
Lunsar, Sierra Leone

Most Recent Updates

December
28
2016

Francis’ bean plot

Francis poses with his model bean plot in Lunsar. Because of the simple, tactile processes, the agriculture methods taught by Just Hope are ideal for farmers with blindness or other physical challenges.
July
13
2016

Visit to Francis’ Plot

We were delighted to have a chance to visit with Mr. Kayina and see the plot he planted at the eye hospital in Lunsar. His corn is the among the biggest and healthiest we've seen.
June
6
2016

Blind Farmer and Chaplain Rejects Blindness as Excuse for Dependence

Blindness results in dependence for many people living in poverty, but Amidu "Francis" Kayina, age 65, has refused to let blindness rob him of his independence. Moreover, has used his blindness to encourage others not to give up on themselves. See how Francis empowers other blind people... 

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