- The UAE, under the direction of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, launched a $60 million initiative through the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to develop schools for visually impaired students across Ethiopia.
- In partnership with the Ethiopian government, the new schools will provide assistive technologies, specialized curricula, and vocational programs aimed at equipping visually impaired students with the skills necessary for higher education and employment.
- The initiative reflects the UAE's dedication to inclusive education and global humanitarian efforts, reinforcing the belief that education is a fundamental right and a key driver for sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.
At the behest of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE today announced a new US$60 million (AED220 million) project from the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to develop schools to aid visually impaired students' educational needs across Ethiopia.
This program will be spearheaded by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, an Erth Zayed Philanthropies portfolio entity, in partnership with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It is an extension of the successful Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa that was commissioned in May 2024.
The deal was inked by Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, the Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in the company of Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the Minister of State and Board of Trustee of Erth Zayed Philanthropies member, and Zinash Tayachew, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia First Lady, alongside other dignitaries.
With an estimated 1.2 million persons who are visually impaired in Ethiopia, of whom 3,32,000 are blind, this program is responding directly to a significant humanitarian need by penetrating rural regions where educational and healthcare services continue to be limited. Ethiopia also has among the highest rates of trachoma in the world, a preventable eye disease that differentially impacts resource-poor populations. The new schools, supported by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, will be centres of excellence where visually impaired students will learn with state-of-the-art assistive technologies, special curricula, and customized vocational programmes to equip them for college and employment.
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, stated, "The UAE continues to be committed to empowering people of determination globally". The core focus is to make sure that the visually impaired learners in Ethiopia have access to motivating and inclusive learning spaces that can cater to their specialized requirements, hence allowing them to explore their full potential. This project symbolizes the mutual endeavor between the UAE and Ethiopia to make sure that all individuals, irrespective of the obstacles they might experience, are able to succeed in an inclusive and fair global community.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan added, "The UAE has long understood that sustainable development and strategic partnership are the engines of enduring change. This effort shows our unshakeable commitment to empower communities, generate economic opportunities, and increase access to core services. Our collaboration advances the vision of African nations in investing in education as a driver of future prosperity, enabling youth to unlock their full potential and spur sustainable development".
First Lady Zinash Tayachew further stated, "We thank the UAE for their sustained partnership, which aligns with our vision to ensure that each citizen, irrespective of their abilities, can access quality education. Together, our common ambition will make our society more inclusive so that each student has a chance to thrive".
Mohamed Haji AlKhoori stated, "Education is a basic right, and all children should have the chance to learn in an atmosphere conducive to their individual needs. By building education systems, we are building foundations for an inclusive and equitable future. This program affirms the strength of global partnership in catalyzing transformative change, guaranteeing that education continues to be a driver of opportunity and empowerment for future generations".
In addition to the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the new schools that will be announced today will establish a network of schools throughout Ethiopia to open up access to inclusive education.
The UAE's investment in the build-up of Ethiopia's educational infrastructure guarantees that all visually impaired children, irrespective of socio-economic status, have the chance to flourish in a conducive learning environment empowering them to support society.
