UAE Launches $60 Million Initiative to Support Education for Visually Impaired Students in Ethiopia
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: 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 to develop schools supporting the educational needs of visually impaired students across Ethiopia. The initiative, led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Building upon the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, inaugurated in May 2024 in Addis Ababa, this initiative aims to expand access to quality education for visually impaired students, particularly in underserved rural areas. 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, Minister of State and member of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, alongside Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of Ethiopia, and other dignitaries.
With an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, the initiative addresses a critical humanitarian need. Ethiopia has one of the highest global rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. In collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, the newly established schools will serve as centers of excellence, integrating advanced assistive technologies, specialized curricula, and vocational training programs to empower students for higher education and workforce participation.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, emphasized the UAE’s ongoing commitment to people of determination worldwide. “A key element is ensuring that visually impaired students in Ethiopia can access inspiring and inclusive learning environments that meet their specialized needs, thereby enabling them to reach their full potential,” he stated. “This initiative represents the shared commitment by the UAE and Ethiopia to ensure that everyone, regardless of the challenges they may face, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable global society.”
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and strategic collaboration, stating, “The UAE has long recognized that sustainable development and strategic collaboration are key drivers of lasting change. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to uplifting communities, creating economic opportunities, and expanding access to essential services. Our partnership furthers the vision of African states to invest in education as a catalyst for future prosperity, empowering youth to realize their full potential and drive sustainable growth.”
First Lady Zinash Tayachew expressed her gratitude for the UAE’s continued support, remarking, “We are grateful to the UAE for their continued partnership, which supports our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education. Together, our shared commitment will help to create a more inclusive society where every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Mohamed Haji AlKhoori underscored the significance of strengthening educational systems, stating, “Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports their unique needs. By strengthening educational systems, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. This initiative reaffirms the power of global partnerships in driving lasting impact, ensuring that education remains a catalyst for opportunity and empowerment for generations to come.”
Alongside the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the newly announced schools will create a nationwide network, significantly expanding access to inclusive education across Ethiopia. This initiative highlights the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s educational infrastructure, ensuring that visually impaired children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can thrive in a supportive learning environment that empowers them to contribute meaningfully to society.
