UAE launches $60M initiative to expand education for visually impaired in Ethiopia

Photo: WAM

The UAE, under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has launched a significant new initiative to support the education of visually impaired students in Ethiopia. This initiative, valued at US$60 million (AED220 million), is led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. The goal is to build schools that cater to the specific educational needs of visually impaired children across the country.

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The project is a collaboration between the UAE and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It follows the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, which opened in May 2024. The new schools will be built in different parts of Ethiopia, especially in rural areas where educational and healthcare services are limited.

The agreement for this initiative was officially signed by Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, the Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. The signing took place in the presence of Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, who is the Minister of State and a board member of Erth Zayed Philanthropies. Zinash Tayachew, the First Lady of Ethiopia, along with other dignitaries, also attended the event.

In Ethiopia, there are around 1.2 million visually impaired individuals, with about 332,000 of them classified as blind. Many of these individuals live in rural areas where access to education and healthcare is very limited. Additionally, Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of trachoma in the world. Trachoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness if left untreated, and it mainly affects people in underserved communities.

The new schools will be designed as centers of excellence. They will use modern assistive technologies and provide specialized learning programs. These schools will offer not only academic education but also vocational training to help visually impaired students gain skills for higher education and future employment. The Ethiopian Ministry of Education is working closely with the UAE to ensure the success of this project.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who chairs the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, emphasized the importance of inclusive education. He said, “The UAE remains committed to supporting people of determination worldwide. This initiative will give visually impaired students in Ethiopia access to quality learning environments, helping them reach their full potential.”

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan highlighted the value of partnerships for sustainable development. “Education is a key driver of positive change. This project reflects the UAE's dedication to uplifting communities, creating new opportunities, and supporting Africa’s vision of investing in its youth for long-term growth,” he said.

Ethiopia's First Lady, Zinash Tayachew, expressed her gratitude to the UAE for their ongoing support. “We deeply appreciate the UAE's efforts to help us provide quality education for all children, regardless of their abilities. Together, we are building a more inclusive society,” she noted.

Mohamed Haji AlKhoori also shared his thoughts on the importance of the initiative. “Education is a fundamental right for every child. Through this initiative, we aim to create supportive learning environments that meet the unique needs of visually impaired students. By doing so, we are investing in a more inclusive and equitable future,” he explained.

These newly planned schools will join the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind to form a network that expands educational access across Ethiopia. The UAE's continuous efforts to enhance Ethiopia's educational infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that every visually impaired child can learn, grow, and contribute to society, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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