Literacy Changes Lives:

Imagine the excitement among a classroom of blind students in Kenya that, for the first time ever, receives a braille writing machine.  Each student would eagerly await their turn to type their first sentence.  Now imagine each student having their own machine so that they could learn in unison. 

 

Braille is the key to literacy for people who are blind, the gateway to employment and independence.  Yet most blind students in East Africa will not learn braille because their schools to not have the necessary tools.

 

Your support for the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust can make that long awaited day a memorable one for villages across East Africa.  A day when students begin learning to read and write. 

 

How You Can Help:

If you are running in a race, from a 5k to a marathon, you can support the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust in advancing braille literacy.

 

Click on the “Get Started” button to register your race and set-up your personal page!

About Kilimanjaro Blind Trust:

The Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, in partnership with Perkins International, advances braille literacy among students throughout East Africa.  Kilimanjaro Blind Trust was launched by a group of friends who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Led by Erik Weihenmayer, the acclaimed mountain climber who is blind, five climbers summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro and set a new record.  The Kilimanjaro Blind Trust reaches thousands of children by:

• Teaching braille literacy to children
  
• Distributing new Perkins Braillers to schools and agencies for the blind
  
• Training teachers in braille instruction
  

Learn more about the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust.

About Perkins International:

Perkins School for the Blind, founded in 1829, is the first school for the blind in the United States. Perkins International, the School's global arm, aims to improve the lives of children who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities.  Perkins International supports educational programs for children, advances Braille literacy, advocates for the rights of children with disabilities, and supports teacher and parent training activities in more than 60 countries around the world. 

Learn more about Perkins International.
 
Note: If you are visually impaired or need assistance, contact Robyn Long at Perkins School for the Blind at 617-972-7881.