The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a major $60 million initiative to improve education for visually impaired students in Ethiopia. Funded by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the program will collaborate with the Ethiopian government to build new schools and inclusive educational programs nationwide. This builds upon the recent opening of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa.
Building on the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind (inaugurated last May), the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation – a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies – has partnered with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on a new initiative. The agreement was signed by the Foundation's Director General, Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, witnessed by Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan (Minister of State and Erth Zayed Philanthropies Trustee) and prime minster of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the needs of Ethiopia's estimated 1.2 million visually impaired citizens including 332,000 who are blind the initiative will focus on providing advanced assistive technologies, specialized curricula, and vocational training, particularly in underserved rural areas. The goal is to empower students to pursue higher education and integrate into the workforce.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting people with disabilities and sustainable development through education. Ethiopian First Lady Zinash Tayachew expressed gratitude for the UAE's partnership, stating it supports Ethiopia's goal of ensuring quality education for all citizens regardless of ability.
The initiative aims to create inclusive learning environments and improve Ethiopia's educational infrastructure, benefiting visually impaired children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Early successes at the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School, including improved facilities, teacher training, and student outcomes, demonstrate the positive impact of this collaboration. The UAE's investment reflects a broader commitment to empowering underserved communities globally through education and international partnerships.