UAE Launches $60 Million Initiative to Support Visually Impaired Students in Ethiopia

Under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a US$60 million (AED220 million) initiative to enhance educational opportunities for visually impaired students in Ethiopia.

Led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation in collaboration with the Ethiopian government, the initiative builds upon the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, inaugurated in May 2024.

The agreement was formalized in the presence of Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, alongside Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of Ethiopia, and other dignitaries. Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, signed the agreement, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to inclusive education.

With an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative addresses a significant humanitarian need. Ethiopia also records one of the highest global rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease affecting underserved communities. The new schools will integrate advanced assistive technologies, specialized curricula, and vocational programs, empowering visually impaired students for higher education and employment.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to global inclusivity, stating,

“This initiative ensures visually impaired students in Ethiopia receive the education they deserve, helping them reach their full potential.”

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan highlighted the initiative’s role in sustainable development and economic empowerment, while First Lady Zinash Tayachew expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support.

The initiative will create a network of specialized schools across Ethiopia, ensuring every visually impaired child has access to quality education, fostering inclusivity, and enabling future contributions to society.

News Source: Emirates News Agency