Since contributing her first piece entitled ‘The value of peace’ for The Ethiopian Herald on the view point column, she has been receiving a flood of positive comments from readers. ‘Supporting the troops’: Duty or fallacy?, ‘Lessons from the EU’ are also some of her articles which have gained her a name for thoughtful, opinionated writer.
“I try to write pragmatic and cautiously optimistic views. My writings are ways of volunteerism, contributing to society and to the positive image of the country and bridging gap in Ethiopian print media landscape,” she says.
What’s more surprising is that, she writes these articles supported by a digital brail.
Our success story maker for this week is Kalypso Schumester. She is 34. Her blindness is innate occurred due to premature birth.
“I consider myself lucky for surviving and or not having other disabilities because most children under the same condition as me face death or other severe disability,” she says.
Kalypso was born to an Austrian Mother and Latin American Father. She grew up in Austria Luckily, true to her wish; she wasn’t enrolled in blind school or any special school, rather a normal public school. “The headmaster of our school was a pioneer to give everybody a chance. Mentally and physically challenged persons too go to the same school with the regular students.
That was really important. I believe people with disability have to be integrated with normal society and seek out for each other. That way they can feel the society and experience various aspects of life and be able to use their potentials. Children are separated from others because of their disability. I strongly oppose special needs schools, the world doesn’t work like that,” she opined.
“I grew up in a semi-rural area, 60 km away from Vienna. I was able to get support from people around me. It wasn’t always easy. So, I educated myself through reading world affairs and environmental issues. I perused books the social, political and economic situations humans face worldwide, history, culture and politics which I have been particularly interested in. Thus, I read and listen to various local, national and international news outlets on a daily basis.”
“I majored in English and American Studies and History at the University of Vienna. When I think about it now I should have rather studied law.”
“I like writing stuff. Writing comes naturally for me though, I never thought I could become one. I think these writing thing is a genetic defect, as my grandfather and my mother’s brother were also journalists.” She laughs.
Assisted by her digital brail Kalypso writes blogs articles and do copy editing, She also engages in proofreading and transcribing. Lately she has started reviewing literary works.
“I wish to write satire but am not good at it. I am a witty and down to earth humour-loving person. But when it comes to writing I am a bit sincere and upfront I guess.”
“I write what should be good and better for the society as whole and the country. And what should be pragmatically useful and important for the country.”
Kalypso came to Ethiopia with her mother when she was 19 years old. She had an interest to be baptised to Ethiopian Coptic Orthodox Church. “I came to Ethiopia because I was baptised to orthodoxy at one of the Ethiopian churches in Vienna and had an interest to visit consequently. So far, I’ve been to different parts of the country including Gonder, Bahirdar and Lalibela, among others. I also worked for some good months as a volunteer in Gonder University as assistant instructor for the blind,” she added
Her interest to write in newspaper came to her as she saw a gap in Ethiopian media landscape. As to her, there is a social logical comparison gap and lack of analytical views and non-emotional comparative perspective among some of the Ethiopian writers on the economical social and political aspects of the country.
“I think there is poor communication from lower to the top of the administration as well, open flow of ideas does not seem to be well entertained. Room for differences too seems lacking. For instance, if federalism is good, then it should be elaborately explained-why it is good and why it is not good to the public openly. There is a need to take ideas from the public too,” she disclosed
“When I write I feel the people and I watch the good and bad political and other changes that affect the society. So, I try to advocate for pragmatic approache to improve what should be improved. I am not afraid to point out the good and the bad. I like sharing my view point from a foreigner perspective. I encourage readers to analyse. I advise them to investigate to examine the overarching idea is which is good for the society pragmatically. I show them the idea must not highly focused on one ethnic group.” she pointed out
“I cover multiple perspectives all at once but mostly supporting the military troops is my end game because they are doing great for Africa and their country,” marked kalypso.
On her leisure time Kalypso likes to enjoy Ethiopian coffee. “Ethiopian coffee is the best. I drink up to 4 cups per day. But I am not an addict,” she giggled.
Asked how she managed to be blind and journalist, she said “that is possible!” Assisted by a technology one can become almost anything. Many have broken the stigma and proved that the blind can see the world and contribute for its betterment.
“Persons with disabilities face so many hardships but hardships are what propels us forward and make us strong,” she confessed.
“In the developed countries the education system, services and technology are suitable for persons living with disability. While, in developing countries those who potentially can contribute for the betterment of the country remain unheard because of many challenges and lack of access. I’ve been to many conferences prepared on behalf of persons with disability.
What the majority of the participants do is sheer talk. And huge money is outlaid to prepare the conferences. That could be tantamount to throwing the money out of the window for me. Instead, if they purchase brail or other device for the disabled that would have been really helpful. Because, in developed countries, services, education and other needs are not inclusive as it will take long but technological devices are inclusive .What the disabled need is to have access for Technology,” she noted.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 3 November 2019
BY FASICA BERHANE
