Support programs for blind students

PBF has been supporting people with disabilities in some East African countries for more than two decades.

In Ethiopia, especially in Lalibela, PBF provides regular support for the disabled: direct monthly food assistance, shelter for the homeless, diverse educational support and assistance and advice for small businesses. Truly: Help for self-help – day after day.

We show disabled people the respect they deserve, provide supportive learning materials and appropriate equipment. This allows learners to have access to their curricula. We support them with paper in Braille, writing materials, visual aids and walking sticks. This funding covers, if possible, all visually impaired primary and secondary school students in Lalibela. Our team is committed to this educational process and supports the success of learners with visual impairments. We do this by observing and learning about their individual needs and consulting with their families and teachers. This service enables us to also look after learners with special needs and thus promote their achievements. PBF provides moral support, empowerment, support and encouragement on the difficult journey so that disabled children and young people feel that they are not alone.

This outreach service also supports people with additional disabilities. We work with communities, schools and families and plan strategies to achieve the greatest possible independence at home, at school and in society. In everything we do, the focus is on providing blind people in schools in Lalibela with a targeted education that responds to the individual needs of each learner, developing towards education, competence and self-confidence in their own everyday school life and in shaping the future to promote society. These young people are very grateful for our commitment.

In the future, we will expand our help even more intensively and strive to reach others who still have to stay at home – often hidden.

Abebe Zewdu for PBF