german
frenchBlindness Prevention in Shashemane
There has been a boarding school for blind children in the Ethiopian town of Shashemane, some 250 km south of the capital Addis Ababa, since 1982. Founded by Mother Teresa's "Missionaries of Charity" it is now run by Indian Franciscan nuns and their superior Sr Jacintha Mathai. In the last years each year between 100 and 200 blind or seriously visually impaired children from all corners of Ethiopia, from all ethnic and religious groups, have been attending the school. Most of them are from the poorest sections of society. They are given excellent schooling and an education preparing them to take up vocational training or university studies thus enabling them to go on to lead independent lives. This has earned the school its high prestige in the country. Ethiopian families consider themselves very lucky having their children educated there.
However there is a grave problem awaiting the school-leavers which seems to call into question all that excellent rehabilitation work done up to that point. Most families are not able to finance the costs incurred for any further education as well as boarding costs at the place of study or vocational training of their blind children. Indeed, not very long ago and possibly in some places even today, blind family members were left by the road to beg in order to contribute to the family's income. This may also happen to many well educated students today if there is no help forthcoming. If there was money to be found, the sisters and trained social workers or vocational helpers would be in a position to offer continuing help and additional training funding to needy blind people. Indeed in recent years, from time to time there has been some funding forthcoming for further training, relying on benefactors' contributions. But at present there is no money available. We are looking for individual donors or groups that might want to help with this important task. If you decide to help financially you will receive regular reports on how your money is being used.
We are looking for individual donors or groups that might want to help with this important task. If you decide to help financially you will receive regular reports on how your money is being used.
Funding needed
Funding needs for one year: 2.500 Euro