See Me; Braille Education for 10 Blind Kosovars

 As the days continue to pass, Shaip and Xhafer, instructors of the facility, work hard to reach the visually impaired youth in the municipality of Gjakova.

The facility in Gjakova lacks the necessary resources and funding to be an effective learning environment for visually impaired children.

While municipality officials have for months discussed the hopes of getting the children an updated and spacious facility, Shaip says there is no traction on this, only promises. While waiting for the updated facility, they continue to hold Braille and Mobility classes once a week. However, due to lack of funding, instructors continue to use their own money for transportation to the children's homes which takes a financial toll on them.

Not having the necessary resources for effective learning for all means there is a lack of equity for these visually impaired children. Shaip comments on how a lack of education causes “rogue problems within their learning.” Without these classes, the visually impaired children of Gjakova are becoming behind in their studies while their classmates continue to propel forward academically. These classes not being held are not only discouraging for the children but for their parents as well. Both the children and their parents are losing interest, and when these classes start again, they may not be around to continue their education. Currently, only four students Sadik, Alaudin, Rinor, and Elfete continue their lessons while with the rest of the children do not due to their families lack of interest.

Majority of the children in help are those who live in very bad conditions. Many of these children do not have the necessary means of life lacking basic needs such as food and hygiene. For many of the visually impaired youth, education could be the key to a better future.

Shaip and Xhafer understand how detrimental a lack of education can be to a young person and so they continue the fight to educate the visually impaired youth of Gjakova by any means necessary. Despite all of the obstacles the facility faces, they know that these students can receive the complete education they deserve. Shaip and Xhafer are essential to the community of Gjakova making a huge impact, one small step at a time.