These are some photos from our recent workshop with a great ngo- community solutions.
they were founded by two ex-peace corps volunteers in guatemala and we are lucky enough to be participating in their pilot program in here in ecuador.
we are learning all about visual health including how to give eye exams. We will be selling reading glasses and are now educated in how to test the people in order to give them the correct perscription and make sure they understand how to use their glasses. many people living in rural towns believe they are simply losing their sight and have spent years unable to read or sew. the moment a person recieves the correct perscription and realizes they are not going blind is an amazing moment! with community solutions and a select group of committed young people we will be organizing campaigns in nearby communities to better educate people about visual health and give eye exams and sell reading glasses and sunglass and very reduced rates. This program also functions as a small business for the youth involved who will make a small profit. This is a great opportunity for the young people in palmar who often struggle to find work. It empowers them and creates a chance for them to help themselves and help their community. This is only a very brief summary of some of the work we have been doing with community solutions. i hope to write more soon!
2 comments:
That's pretty amazing! Eyeglasses seem to be the new sexy (there's a volunteer at my other foundation working with glasses as well). My hats off to you and Lic. Smith! May you never have a bad day in Ecuador!
Hey hannah - I wish I could send them 100's of my reading glasses...if I could find them:)
Actually - considering I get them at the dollar store - just think of the difference it could make for anyone ....esspecially the older folks to have them available - I am not sure what i would do without them - I wouldn't be able to read a book! You are doing ood work!
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