September News Wrap: people with disabilities to shape future of farming in southern Africa 

September 2026 News Wrap — our work, successes and impact.

An innovative rural transformation programme to boost disability inclusion in agriculture has launched in Mozambique. 

Over the next three years, SPARK II Scaling Up Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation in East and Southern Africa (ESA) will drive sustainable, inclusive change across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In Mozambique, the programme will focus on Inhambane, Sofala and Niassa provinces, ensuring people with disabilities are actively included in agriculture and value chains. 

By breaking down barriers, the project will help build more resilient and inclusive agriculture, food security and economic empowerment for people with disabilities. SPARK II-ESA builds on the success of the SPARK programme, which saw people with disabilities design and co-create tools and approaches for inclusive agriculture through AgriLabs, as well as training Disability Inclusion Facilitators. 

SPARK II-ESA is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It is led by Light for the World and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fishery in Mozambique, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Procasur and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  

Biruktayit Kefyalew, Light for the World’s Expert, Eye Health, has been elected to the board of the IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness). 

Biruktayit, a trained optometrist (MSc), has experience spanning academia, clinical practice, research and multi-country programme leadership, giving her a well-rounded and practical understanding of the eye health sector’s challenges and opportunities.   

Her election comes as Biruktayit represented Light for the World at the WHO’s SPECS 2030 meeting, a key platform to translate commitments on uncorrected refractive error into meaningful action. Jane Waithera, from Light for the World Kenya, also attended the meeting, sharing how access to glasses changed her life.  

Biruktayit says: “I am deeply honored and excited to be elected to join the IAPB Board and to have the opportunity to contribute to the global eye health movement. IAPB plays a unique and inspiring role in bringing together governments, organisations, professionals, advocates and people with lived experience to build a stronger collective voice and drive meaningful action for eye health globally.  

“I am keen to bring the diverse experiences and perspectives I gain through working across countries to this global platform, while learning from and being inspired by colleagues around the world. I look forward to contributing to stronger health systems and more equitable, comprehensive eye care for everyone, everywhere.” 

The men’s South Sudan Blind Football team has been recognised with an international award focused on including people with disabilities in sport. 

The team, which is supported by Light for the World and the adidas Foundation, was awarded the 2026 Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award at the World Football Summit. 

Presented by Integrated Dreams, the award recognises organisations advancing the inclusion and visibility of people with disabilities in football.  

It is the latest success for the trailblazing team, which last year won the Blind Football African Championship Division 2 on their international debut. In November, they will compete in the Division 1 competition, with a chance to qualify for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. 

Simon Madol Akol, Head Coach of the South Sudan Blind Football team, said: “This award means so much to us. We started with only two players in front of the office under a tree with a ball that we modified locally. Today, we have more than 50 people participating in the South Sudan Blind Football League and we have expanded to three locations across South Sudan.”  

The inclusive sports programme of which blind football is a part has expanded beyond the South Sudan capital Juba to Bor, Pibor and Yambio. It has already reached more than 120 women and men with visual impairments.

Light for the World Ethiopia has hosted a media roundtable, strengthening journalists’ understanding of eye health issues to support public awareness and advocacy.  

The roundtable brought together media professionals, eye health experts, government representatives, partners and like-minded organisations to highlight the status of eye health and child eye health in Ethiopia, national efforts and policy priorities. 

Panelists noted significant progress in expanding eye care services, strengthening infrastructure, developing the eye health workforce, providing equipment and supplies and improving access to services.  

However, avoidable blindness and visual impairment remain major public health challenges. Persistent trachoma, limited resources, shortages and uneven distribution of skilled professionals, limited rural access and inadequate childhood eye health coverage continue to affect eye health outcomes. 

Suadik Hassen, Country Director at Light for the World Ethiopia, stressed the need for proactive community engagement to ensure children receive timely medical evaluations. 

“There is a significant gap in providing the community with adequate awareness and facilitating eye health examinations,” he says. 

Participants emphasised the important role of the media in promoting accurate, evidence-based eye health information, encouraging early screening and treatment, amplifying community voices and advocating for accessible and inclusive eye care services. Stronger media engagement can contribute to greater public awareness and help more children and adults access care to protect their vision. 

The roundtable was covered by Ethiopia Today.

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