3 April 2025, Thu |
7:16 AM
Under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a new US$60 million (AED220 million) initiative aimed at developing schools to support the educational needs of visually impaired students in Ethiopia. This project will be spearheaded by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a key entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
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 signed by Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in the presence of Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State and member of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, and Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of Ethiopia.
With approximately 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative will provide crucial support, especially in rural areas with limited access to educational and healthcare services. Ethiopia also faces high rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease, which disproportionately affects underserved communities.
The new schools, supported by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, will serve as centres of excellence by integrating cutting-edge assistive technologies, specialised curricula, and vocational programmes designed to help visually impaired students achieve higher education and integrate into the workforce.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, emphasized the UAE’s dedication to supporting people of determination worldwide. He stated, “This initiative reflects our shared commitment with Ethiopia to ensure everyone, regardless of challenges, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable society.”
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan added, “This partnership underscores our commitment to uplifting communities and expanding access to essential services, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.”
First Lady Zinash Tayachew expressed gratitude for the UAE’s continued support in helping ensure quality education for all Ethiopian citizens, regardless of ability, and promoting a more inclusive society.
Mohamed Haji AlKhoori reaffirmed the importance of education as a fundamental right, highlighting the transformative potential of global partnerships to create lasting impact and empower future generations.
Along with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the newly announced schools will form a comprehensive network across Ethiopia, expanding access to inclusive education and ensuring that visually impaired students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to society.
The UAE’s commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s educational infrastructure is set to make a significant difference in the lives of visually impaired students, providing them with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.
