Restore Eyesight to Children in Africa

Dear Supporters,

Across South Africa, children are facing discrimination due to hearing and vision difficulties. With families lacking knowledge of identifying problems, and resources to provide adequate support, many children fall behind in school. This results in lack of employment opportunities and coping strategies causing dependency on families, governments and international aid. By providing children with the gift of vision and hearing, they can grow, learn in school and eventually become part of the solution. Whilst the world is tackling COVID-19, it is more essential than ever that we do not forget those who live with life-long disabilities. 

Families with children who are suffering from hearing and vision are often unaware of their difficulties. In the cases where families are aware, the stigma associated with vision and hearing problems often results in parents not declaring their child’s challenges to the relevant school. Consequently, no assistance is provided. Even when issues are declared, parents and schools lack the resources and funding to do adequate checks to be able to assist those suffering and provide glasses and hearing aids to those in need.

To tackle this ACJ Phakade Primary School in Strand, a long standing partner of GVI Trust, contacted us regarding the issue of vision for some of the students. The GVI Trust reached out to its network and after building a strong relationship with a group of Swedish opticians philanthropists, we arranged for the first free eye examinations at the public school as a pilot project. During a two day process we examined the eyes of students which had independently expressed vision difficulties as well as those who had been highlighted by teachers as students who might have had difficulties seeing in the classroom.

The students and teachers who had relatively easily managed vision problems were provided glasses on the day. For the students who had more complex vision difficulties, consultations were scheduled for a more thorough check and examination prior to getting specially designed glasses for their independent needs. 

After this successful pilot project, we have continued on for yearly visits. Thus, as GVI Trust is working across South Africa, we are noticing that other schools are experiencing similar difficulties, including hearing issues. We are now looking for funding to extend the testing to include hearing; reach more schools across the country and use local experts.

By providing rural and disadvantaged communities across South Africa in association with specialised NGOs with vision and hearing testing, children in need will be given a new chance. The screening provided by local, trained staff will identify children's individual needs prior to supplying them with the resources required to give children vision and hearing as they grow old. Training will be provided to the child and their family to ensure use and maintenance of the specific device. In addition, aftercare is provided to ensure that the families feel supported even after the initial trial period.

Children without the lack of adequate vision and hearing fall behind in school and eventually without work opportunities. By tackling the root cause of their learning difficulties, the donation will not only provide children with the ability to live life to the fullest, but reduce inequalities they face in the labour market. This will reduce their dependence on their family, government and foreign aid and empower them emotionally and economically.

Thank you to our Donors, Fundraisers and Supporters!

With Gratitude,

Africa Vision and Hearing