Vision and Free Eyeglasses for Children in West Africa

Faive Kovalis Start Date: Mar 18, 2023 - End Date: Mar 17, 2024
  • Senegal
  • The Gambia

My Travel Story

by: Faive Kovalis Start Date: Mar 18, 2023 - End Date: Mar 17, 2024
My trips to West Africa started three years ago. As a retired optometrist I am helping children in West Africa to obtain eye glasses and improve their vision. The majority of the population can’t afford enough food for the family, so to buy eyeglasses is out of question. Because of poor vision, some of the children are school dropouts just because they can’t see properly and participate in class. No education means poverty and leads to modern slavery. With a small correction we are able to improve the vision, put the children back to school and give them a future.
Working in the eyewear industry for a long time, I approached my colleges and eyewear suppliers with the request to help me provide the children with glasses. I received 40,000 children frames at no charge. This will really make a change. I am going back to West Africa every four months. It would be great if I could go more often and stay longer. I would appreciate some help for my travel expenses.
  • Senegal
  • The Gambia

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