Ethiopia
Save eyesight
In the last decade, LIGHT FOR THE WORLD contributed substantially to the improvement of Ethiopia's eye care facilities, especially in rural areas. In 12 eye clinics all over the country, local specialists and their staff tend to the problems of millions of people, treating eye infections and performing surgery.
18,394 cataract surgeries were made possible in programmes supported by LIGHT FOR THE WORLD in 2009. In the context of the National Blindness Prevention Programme, 369,000 people received antibiotics to treat trachoma, an eye infection, and were saved from losing their sight.
In 2009, two new eye departments started their work in the towns of Arba Mich and Soddo. We also support the training of ophthalmologists at the University clinic of Jimma.
Support for children with disabilities
Especially in rural areas in Ethiopia, there is still great need for rehabilitation, support, education and opportunities to work. LIGHT FOR THE WORLD supports 5 Community Based Rehabilitation Programmes to help chrildren with disabilities develop their skills and facilitate inclusion in their environment. A pilot project started in Ambo in 2009, the only one in this region. 80 children already receive support and medical care in the first year of its existence.
In 2009, a total of 650 children with disabilities received rehabilitations, medical care, education and support in our Ethiopian programmes.
Tarekegn - on his own two feet
13 years ago, Tarekegn was born with cerebral palsy and grew up with severe difficulties with movement. He did not learn to sit, eat or dress himself, let alone to walk. His parents cared lovingly for him. They even carried him to school whenever they could spare the time.
LIGHT FOR THE WORLD field worker Firehiwot became aware of Tarekegn three years ago and started to train him to ease the tension in his muscles. Soon the exercises showed results, Tarekegn's movements improved and his arms and legs got stronger. His parents were very relieved to see his progress. Today Tarekegn walks to school every day on his own. "When I grow up, I want to work for Radio Ethiopia", he says.