- News Wrap
- Disability Rights
March 2026 News Wrap — our work, successes and impact.
Light for the World Kenya has launched its Strategy 2030, positioning disability inclusion as a systems issue and marking a national milestone with global relevance.
The event brought together Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, government representatives, academia, private sector partners and regional Light for the World teams from Uganda, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Mozambique.
The strategy aims to strengthen inclusion across education, business, humanitarian response and communities, with partnerships at its core. Speakers highlighted practical progress, from inclusive hiring at Kenya Airways to integrated disability services at Kenyatta University, demonstrating how inclusive systems drive development and organisational growth.
Richard Mativu, Country Director for Light for the World Kenya, said: “The Strategy 2030 launch demonstrates that disability inclusion is not an add-on; it is a strategic imperative.”
Yetneberesh Molla stressed the importance of bold, collaborative action: “Inclusion must remain grounded in the principle of ‘nothing about us without us,’ ensuring that people with disabilities continue to shape decisions, policies and programmes.”
Mozambique president shows support for child eye health
The President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, has symbolically presented eyeglasses to two pupils during the 2026 School Year Opening Ceremony, spotlighting the importance of child eye health across the country.
Ivone and Jorge, pupils at Munhava Matope Primary School, were diagnosed with visual impairments through the “1, 2, 3 I can see!” programme. The programme is implemented by Light for the World in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Education and Culture.
During his visit to the ceremony, the Head of State acknowledged Light for the World’s important role as a government partner in promoting child eye health and highlighted the programme’s impact within school communities.
“1, 2, 3 I can see!” is a school-based eye health initiative. It engages teachers and health professionals in the screening, diagnosis and referral of visual impairments, ensuring timely and effective intervention. The 10-year programme is active in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Uganda.
Livelihoods for Resilience programme launches in Ethiopia’s Sidama Region
The Livelihoods for Resilience (L4R) programme has been officially launched in Hawassa, Ethiopia, at an event bringing together government officials, development partners and implementing organisations.
Led by Light for the World in consortium with CARE Ethiopia and the Austrian Red Cross/Ethiopian Red Cross Society, with funding from the Austrian Development Agency as part of International Partnerships Austria, the programme will strengthen inclusive livelihoods and build community resilience in the Sidama Region. It places a strong emphasis on disability inclusion, gender equality and disaster risk reduction.
In case you missed it…
- A first-of-its-kind disability resource centre has opened at the University of Juba in South Sudan. Launched with support from EU and government partners, the centre expands access and opportunity for students with disabilities. The launch was covered by Radio Tamazuj and Juba Echo TV.
- Light for the World International has a new office address from April 2026: Schönbrunner Straße 297–307/2/4, 1120 Vienna, Austria.
