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Visually Impaired Association pleads for funding

May 17, 2012 News

 

In recognition of Blindness Awareness Month this year, the Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired (GAVI) is focusing on the advocacy of the prevention of blindness, preservation of sight and the sensitization on awareness policy.
Blindness Awareness Month kicked off with a church service on April 29 and will continue throughout this month with a number of activities.
Andrew Green, member of GAVI’s management team told Kaieteur News that during this month his organisation will participate in health workshops, which include diabetes and hypertension testing, and host talks on being visually impaired and more.
“We want to have interaction with schools and sensitize kids about taking care of their eyes and also sensitize the business community with reference to the Disabilities Act of 2010. We aim to expand our membership and make others aware that not because we have disabilities or are visually impaired means we cannot function.”
Kaieteur News understands that GAVI was formed on November 22, last year, and its formation was intended to care for the needs of people who are affected by blindness or have a vision problem.
At present, the organisation remains “cash strapped” and depends on fundraising events to execute its goals.
“We have attempted to garner subventions from the Government since our formation but to no avail. We are cash strapped; we don’t have our own building. We had to vacate our old building a short while ago because we didn’t have money to pay our rent but the Beharry Group of Companies has come to our rescue and has helped us get a building we can use.”
This publication was told that the members of GAVI had approached former President Bharrat Jagdeo for a subvention from Government but it was refused on the grounds that there cannot be two separate organisations with the same function.
Green added that his organisation would work towards scheduling a meeting with President Donald Ramotar in the near future to lobby for a subvention so that they can continue to make positive contributions in society.

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