After the training period on business management skills, recipients get a business stock and a business point or stall and will then be able to start their own business.

The project goal is not only to transform the attitude of the recipients, but also that of the society at large. Due to a lack of knowledge on disabilities, persons with disabilities are viewed as unproductive and incapable by society. Oftentimes they depend fully on their families, who carry the financial burden. Some persons with disabilities are left indoors idling. As a result, many people with a physical impairment have lost hope in life.

Because the project’s recipients have undergone basic education, they will be able to start a simple business, like water vending, shoe repairs, or a food, fruit or goods stall, after a training period of one month only. In addition, some participants may have a small business already, but it is ailing or collapsed  – during the period of COVID-regulations – or in a start-up phase. All recipients will be equipped with tools that enables them to move freely, for instance visually impaired use braille-writing and reading gadgets. Where relevant, they will receive ongoing mentoring. It is also foreseen that family members will help the businesses sustain, as it relieves their financial situation.

40 people with a disability will run a small business, that enables them to earn an income for their families. What’s more they gained hope, self-esteem, and self-reliance.

Longer term, we expect the recipients to be able to lead independent lives; and society to change its view, and ultimately create an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities, which makes it easier for them to complete education and get a job or start a business.

With the donations of KSH 389,520 (or €2,997), Vision of the Blind can carry out the following activities:

• Identification of potential project trainees and a training needs assessment.
• Equipment to be able to include all participants in the project, depending on their needs this could be: Kenya Sign Language Interpretation, physical aid and sighted guide services, braille papers, and other braille writing gadgets.
• 1 project planning meeting with stakeholders (including representatives of organizations of Persons With Disabilities, local leaders, government representatives, pro-Disability organizations.
• Counseling, training and mentoring of recipients in business management skills.
• Providing business stock for about 40 businesses of Persons with Disabilities.
• Project administration (around 17% of the total budget).

Vision of the Blind will use every extra donated €75 to support more persons with disabilities to realise a small business (up to a maximum of 50 recipients).

These activities are part of a bigger project, that also involves lobby activities for the public and private sector to act inclusively towards persons with disabilities and/or support their businesses. In addition, 2,000 community members will be reached through public awareness creation and social media campaigns, for instance to stimulate them to buy at the shops of persons with disabilities.

After the training period on business management skills, recipients get a business stock and a business point or stall and will then be able to start their own business.

The project goal is not only to transform the attitude of the recipients, but also that of the society at large. Due to a lack of knowledge on disabilities, persons with disabilities are viewed as unproductive and incapable by society. Oftentimes they depend fully on their families, who carry the financial burden. Some persons with disabilities are left indoors idling. As a result, many people with a physical impairment have lost hope in life.

Because the project’s recipients have undergone basic education, they will be able to start a simple business, like water vending, shoe repairs, or a food, fruit or goods stall, after a training period of one month only. In addition, some participants may have a small business already, but it is ailing or collapsed – during the period of COVID-regulations – or in a start-up phase. All recipients will be equipped with tools that enables them to move freely, for instance visually impaired use braille-writing and reading gadgets. Where relevant, they will receive ongoing mentoring. It is also foreseen that family members will help the businesses sustain, as it relieves their financial situation.

Vision of the Blind conducted identification and training needs assessment as planned. 42 project participants have successfully undergone guiding and counselling, mentorships as well as capacity building in business management.

Currently, we are implementing the last phase of the project. 40 people with a disability will run a small business that enables them to earn an income for their families. What’s more they gained hope, self-esteem, and self-reliance.

Longer term, we expect the recipients to be able to lead independent lives; and society to change its view, and ultimately create an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities, which makes it easier for them to complete education and get a job or start a business.