International Resources for Education of African Deaf And Blind Children: I-READ-ABC

The mission of International Resources for Education of Africa’s Deaf And Blind Children (I-READ-ABC) is to establish, facilitate and promote educational opportunities for all Deaf-Blind Children in order for them to develop to their fullest potential into self-sufficient adults within their communities.

Programs


I Read ABC School program


I Read ABC school program is focused on reaching the most vulnerable school-age children deaf and blind children in Uganda.  These children are often seen as drain on limited family resources and held back at home rather than attend school.  Working with I Read ABC Kyambogo graduates, the organisation has identified existing schools in Uganda that are already providing support for deaf and blind children.  The support provided by I Read ABC to children includes the following:

  • Direct intervention to sponsor school-age deaf and blind children into school.  This requires identifying young children who are in the villages, and sending funds for their tuition, accommodation, and general upkeep including school uniform, beddings and nutrition\
  • Supplying literacy resources including Braille machine, Braille paper, pens and pencils
  • Providing items of personal resources such as white-cane, and hearing aids

The following Uganda schools are supported by I Read ABC:

  • Kisoro Demonstration School, Kisoro
  • Aber Primary School, Oyam District
  • Ikwerra School, Apac District
  • Agururu Primary School, Tororo District
  • Madera School for the Blind, Soroti
  • Kyambogo University School for Special Needs Children

Altogether, there are 150 children who are being supported by I Read ABC directly through sponsorship or indirectly through literacy supplies and educational resources.  I Read ABC graduates are currently running the programs at Ikwerra Primary school, Aber Primary School, Agururu Primary School and Kisoro Primary School.