An initiative has been introduced to empower Ethiopia's visually impaired community and equip them with tools and opportunities for a better future. Led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation in partnership with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the project aims to enhance educational and vocational prospects for visually impaired individuals in the country. As part of this initiative, the UAE government has committed AED 220 million to enhance schools dedicated to visually impaired students in Ethiopia.
According to the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation is steering this project. The initiative comes as a response to the pressing needs of Ethiopia, which is home to an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired persons, many of whom reside in rural regions having limited access to education and healthcare facilities. Ethiopia is also battling high rates of trachoma, an eye disease that significantly impacts marginalized communities throughout the country.
The program's focal points include introducing state-of-the-art assistive technologies in schools, developing tailored curricula, and implementing specialized vocational training programs for visually impaired individuals. The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a subsidiary of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has a track record of successful projects such as the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind established in 2024. With a staggering 332,000 blind individuals in Ethiopia, initiatives like these are crucial in fostering inclusivity and support for visually impaired communities in the region.
