A Classroom of Hope

Born in 1997 in a small village in Balod, Chhattisgarh, Bhavesh Sonkar grew up as the youngest of four siblings. Though he was born with low vision, he remained unaware of the extent of his visual impairment during his early years. He attended mainstream school, joining his peers in daily activities and managing classroom challenges with quiet determination—sitting on the front bench, squinting to read the blackboard, and pushing forward despite the difficulties.

It wasn’t until after his 10th grade that Bhavesh noticed his vision worsening. Still, he went on to complete his 12th standard, writing his own papers without assistance. But when he began preparing for competitive entrance exams, he hit a major roadblock. The computer-based format posed a serious challenge, and it became clear he could no longer ignore the reality of his vision loss.

A medical consultation confirmed the need for a disability certificate and a reassessment of his career path. Accepting this shift, Bhavesh changed course and prepared for a government teaching role—a career where he could use his knowledge and skills while accommodating his disability. He eventually cleared the required exams and joined a government primary school as a teacher, a role he takes pride in.

During this period of transition, Bhavesh discovered Eyeway through a Whatsapp Community group. After reaching out, he found himself part of a network that understood his challenges and ambitions. Through Eyeway, he enrolled in various capacity-building programs such as mobility training, Braille literacy, and English communication.

One of the turning points in his journey was his decision to improve his spoken English. Guided by Eyeway, he joined a spoken English course at Tanya Computer Centre. He completed the three-month course with dedication and recently shared how much it boosted his confidence and helped him become more effective in his teaching.

Now in his late 20s, Bhavesh teaches at a government school, using both his lived experience and formal training to guide and inspire his students. His vision may have declined, but his clarity of purpose has only grown stronger. His journey reflects the power of information, support, and self-belief in transforming one’s path.

Eyeway continues to walk alongside Bhavesh and others like him—helping them navigate life with dignity and possibility.

Team Eyeway