Papa sheds light on life-changing program

Papa Oo, 12, benefits from the Light a Candle Christmas Appeal. Picture:Rob Leeson Source: News Corp Australia

LIFE has been tough for brave Papa Oo, but her smile still lights up the room.

Born legally blind and deaf in Myanmar, all the 12-year-old ever wanted was to go to school.

Now, with the help of Vision Australia and a number of charitable Victorians, she is living her dream.

I love school, Im going again next year. Im really happy, Papa said.

Papa was raised in a Myanmarese orphanage, her CHARGE syndrome preventing her from ever going to school with the other kids.

But just over a year ago, she was brought to Melbourne on a medical visa by Sister Catherine Brabender to live with her new family, humanitarian Moira Kelly, miracle conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna and Iraqi-born brothers Emmanuel and Ahmed.

After one year, her English is nearly fluent and shes being supported through school by Vision Australia, and is now throwing her support behind their Light A Candle Christmas Appeal.

I like Melbourne, I like school, I like maths, Papa said.

She likes school so much that last holidays she walked to Our Lady Help of Christians primary and cried because the gate was locked, not understanding school was closed during holidays.

Originally posted here:
Papa sheds light on life-changing program