“A braille machine is like a pen or pencil to a sighted child,” shared Iyeke Erharuyi, principal of Salvation Army School for the Blind. The school administrator of the St Andrew-based institution also revealed the school has only 26 working braille machines to cater to the 132 students enrolled at the institution, underscoring the dire need for additional machines to increase access to quality education for the students.

Against this background, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation came on board with other corporate sponsors on the Digicel Foundation-led Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille campaign, donating $765,000 towards the cause of providing five additional braille machines to facilitate the teaching and learning process.

Salvation Army School for the Blind is the only educational institution of its kind in Jamaica catering to visually impaired and blind students, and has been providing quality education for some of the most vulnerable Jamaicans since 1927.

Kim Mair, CEO of JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, expressed delight at being a part of this initiative as it aligns with the company’s core values and mission.

“As an organisation built on a vision of love we are actively and publicly involved in charitable and voluntary activities within the society, and recognise and accept our social responsibility — understanding that it has everything to do with us as part of the link in the wider chain,” she said.

“By providing additional braille machines we are helping to create a conducive learning environment for visually impaired and blind students, thereby allowing them the opportunity to unearth their greatness and open unlimited possibilities to make a positive impact on our society. We are proud partners of this campaign as it serves as another step in driving inclusion in our society by putting the requisite infrastructure and resources in place to increase equitable access for all.”

The Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille campaign is designed to secure corporate support and donations to provide at least 50 braille machines to Salvation Army School for the Blind in order improve the teaching and learning environment.

“As Digicel celebrates its 22nd year in Jamaica we decided to launch this campaign as another in our series of initiatives that contribute to inclusivity and nation-building. The Salvation Army School for the Blind’s determination and resilience are inspiring, and we recognise that access to essential tools is vital to their academic journey. Our goal is, therefore, to enhance the educational experience and opportunities for these extraordinary individuals who face unique challenges every day,” shared Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation.

“I am inspired by the collective commitment we have witnessed, through this initiative, from all our corporate sponsors — with special thanks to the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation for their generous donation as one the early donors who came on board without hesitation. This [overall support] is a testament to the impactful change that can be achieved when organisations unite for a common cause.”

In also lauding the donors for their support of this initiative, vice-principal of Salvation Army School for the Blind, Sherine Whyte shared, “We are truly grateful for this donation of braille machines from all the [individual and corporate] donors as their contribution will touch so many lives; and students will now be able to complete assignments outside of class [and] improve their literacy and their overall academic performance as no more than two students will need to be assigned to each machine. Many of our students are not able to afford their own braille machines, therefore this donation will empower our students to have access to a critical tool to help them reach their full potential.”

The campaign furthers the vision and mission of Salvation Army School for the Blind to provide a conducive environment where quality teaching will give students an opportunity to learn at the same pace as children without disabilities, and excel as well-adjusted members of society.

The institution is a composite school that caters to students at the pre-primary, primary, secondary and vocational levels. It also houses an assessment and remedial department which facilitates students with multiple disabilities and those who are at an age well above school level, in addition to providing a residence for students who are from rural communities. The school also augments the curriculum with compensatory skills including: life skills, mobility, orientation, keyboard and computer skills, and braille.

“We invite everyone to join hands and heart to back this worthwhile cause of providing braille machines, or support the institution in other ways. We also laud Digicel for their commitment to the community, which represents approximately 15 per cent of the population, giving them a voice and shedding light on issues affecting them,” said Mair.