Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka has shared the story of a 14-year-old Rwandan boy whose eyesight was restored through treatment supported by Big Shoe, highlighting how access to healthcare can transform a child’s education and future.
Saka spoke about the boy, Byiringiro, during the 2026 Sócrates Award ceremony at the London Palladium in London, where he received the award recognising football figures who make outstanding contributions to society through humanitarian work and efforts to improve people’s lives.
Byiringiro began experiencing vision problems at the age of 12, making it difficult for him to follow lessons at school and play with other children. Living in a village without electricity further complicated his daily life.
“When I was 12, I started losing my eyesight. There was no electricity in our village, and as my vision continued to deteriorate, things became increasingly difficult. Even playing with other children became a challenge,” Byiringiro said.
He thanked Big Shoe for helping him access the eye treatment he needed, saying the intervention had restored his ability to see clearly and made everyday activities easier.
“I am grateful to Big Shoe for providing the eye treatment I needed. Today, I can read what my teacher writes on the blackboard, even when I sit at the back of the classroom,” he said.
Beyond improving his ability to learn, the treatment has renewed his confidence in the future. Byiringiro said he hopes to become an English teacher.
“I have regained hope for the future, and I believe I will achieve my dreams. One day, I will become an English teacher. I am happy to be a child again. For the first time in a long while, I am excited about my future,” he said.
He added that he believes many people who attended the ceremony had achieved dreams they held as children, expressing hope that he, too, would fulfil his ambitions.
Speaking about the importance of supporting children, Saka said helping them regain happiness was deeply meaningful to him. He compared the joy a child experiences while playing football with the opportunity to help other children rediscover that same happiness.
“We know the joy a child experiences when they have a football in front of them. Whenever I get an opportunity to help another child experience that joy again, I consider it something very important to me,” Saka said.
He expressed gratitude for receiving the Sócrates Award and thanked everyone involved in supporting children.
“It is a privilege to be here, and it is a privilege to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we have been able to help, thank you,” he said.
