Foundation to promote image of the Blind

A foundation to promote a positive image of the blind in society has been established in Kumasi.

The non-governmental organization, Care for the Blind Foundation, is focused on reducing street begging, illiteracy and unemployment among the visually impaired.

President of the Foundation, James Owusu-Takyi, says the NGO will cater for the social and economic well-being of the blind through education, communication and job opportunities.

An estimated 10 to 15 of Ghana's population is said to live with some form of disability and three to five percent of the number is visually-challenged.

Mr. Owusu-Takyi identified the root causes of begging among disabled persons to include stigmatization, neglect, ignorance and lack of proper education for the minority group.

He tells Luv Fm the ultimate objective of the organization is to “reduce poverty among the blind community. We want to reach out to children who are born blind from their infancy, we'll support them to go to school and those who are grown up, we can give them skill-training and then support personal initiatives”.

Mr. Owusu-Takyi added targeted individuals are being identified based on talents and interest in areas of arts and entertainment, handiwork and trade.

The NGO has started registering potential beneficiaries and is counting on religious and corporate institutions to support the initiative.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh