Thank you so much to everyone who have helped us complete multiple projects at St. Mary’s School at Chalice’s Kwambwa site. You have made a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of 156 children who are blind, partially sighted, and those living with albinism.
Chalice has recently approved $71,491.77 CAD for a new project to construct rugged, blind-friendly pathways across the school compound to ensure safe, independent, and confident mobility for the students.
Currently, the school terrain is uneven and lacks consistent landmarks, making it hard for the children to move around the school safely, especially during the rainy season when mud and potholes pose serious risks of injury. By constructing this pathway, the school aims to transform its environment into a safe and accessible space for all students.
The pathways will be designed to meet accessibility standards for visually impaired individuals, including tactile features and consistent surface quality. “Thank you so much for everything that you have been doing for [St. Mary’s School for the Blind],” says Chisembe M, Deputy Head Teacher. “We pray that the good works of charity may continue as they great assist the marginalized and vulnerable children in the community.”
Support for this project will ensure visually impaired children can move independently across the school compound, allow children to participate more fully in academic and extracurricular activities, reduce injuries caused by slippery terrain, potholes, and uneven surface and improve the confidence and independence among students.
This project will also help students with long-term skill development, as children learn orientation and mobility techniques that will benefit them beyond school. This inclusive infrastructure aligns with the school’s mission to support children with special needs.