Training Teachers to Save Sight

Meet Amseselech, a dedicated elementary school teacher in Doko Masho, Arba Minch, with almost two decades of passion for shaping young minds. Born and raised in the area, she reflects on the significant changes in education since her childhood. "When I was going to school, we didn't have nearby ones; even this school that I teach at now did not exist; we always had to travel long ways," she fondly recalls.

Amseselech, a mother of two and a passionate science teacher, firmly believes in the profound impact education has on shaping both the present and the future. "I have been teaching in this elementary school for 15 years now. I have seen how the children influence their parents who never had the chance to go to school on so many issues. I have seen them play great roles in creating healthier and cleaner environments, and it always amazes me," she shares with enthusiasm.

At the forefront of extracurricular activities, Amseselech champions the School Eye Club. Amseselech oversees the club's activities, which include informative plays, poems, and choir performances aimed at raising awareness about trachoma and other eye health issues. The club, composed of enthusiastic students, meets during breaks or after school, showcasing their dedication and professionalism. Reflecting on the impact of eye health initiatives, she notes, "Decades ago, trachoma was a big health issue in our community. I remember so many people slowly going blind because of eye diseases, mainly Trachoma. Although it is still a problem, it is not as common now, and I think the work done at schools like ours plays a big part in that."

Amseselech expresses her gratitude to Orbis, stating, "In my fifteen years of teaching at this school, I have seen the number of children who drop out of school or stay behind significantly decline, and I can say that this eye club has an important role in that fact. We would like to thank Orbis for all the help it provides us, including the help that it extends to our students with refractive error."

Your continued support has contributed to success stories like Amseselech's, where education and community engagement create positive ripples. We couldn't be more grateful for donors like you who make these impactful initiatives possible.

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In Gurage, Ethiopia, Fikir is not just a biology teacher but a mother of two boys. Her life changed when she was diagnosed with trachoma - a highly contagious, painful eye disease that can cause blindness. Fikir received surgery and said the best part afterwards was her newfound independence and pain-free vision.

Fikir is now determined to teach her biology students about trachoma and how to prevent it. Thanks to the surgery, she can now inspire others to get their eyes checked.

Children’s education is profoundly affected by their vision. Children with poor eyesight often struggle to read or see the blackboard. As a result, they can become discouraged and even stop attending school as they can no longer keep up. Early screening is the most sustainable and effective way of tackling childhood blindness. That is why Orbis develops integrated eye health programmes in schools.  These programs screen all children for vision problems, providing glasses, treatment, or surgery if needed.