Ethiopia is believed to have the world's highest rates of blindness and low vision. Based on the assessment of the presenting visual acuity, the national prevalence of blindness is 1.6% and that of low vision 3.7%. There is accessibility issue and limited special education schools for the visually impaired. Hence, this project is designed to undertake Braille education program for 20 children with visual impairment a year in order to integrate them in the formal education system.
There are 1.84 million blind, 4.25 million low vision people and 9 million children aged 1-9 with active trachoma and 1.3 million adults with Trachomatous trichiasis according to Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health. In Awasa where the project will take place, there are 8000 blind and 18500 low vision persons according to Awasa city labor and social affairs office. This project will contribute in educating 20 children in Braille and prepare them for inclusive education in government schools.
The project will provide Braille education in writing, reading, math and other relevant subjects for the visually impaired children. After intensive training the children will join formal inclusive government or private schools equipped with the knowledge inculcated by the project. This will have great impact in the community where there is stigma and marginalization prevalent.
The project will bring 20 blind and visually impaired children out of illiteracy proving that their disability is not inability. The successful implementation of the project will have a positive impact in the community creating attitudinal change towards disability and convincing them to send their disabled children to school.
