“A Braille machine is like a pen or pencil to a sighted-child,” shared Iyeke Erharuyi, principal of the 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 the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation came onboard with other corporate sponsors, on the Digicel Foundation-led, ‘Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille’ campaign in donating J$765,000 towards the cause, to provide five additionally braille machines to facilitate the teaching and learning process.

The 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 the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, said that the organisation was thrilled to be a part of the initiative, which 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 began.

“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,” added Mair. 

The ‘Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille’ campaign is designed to secure corporate support and donations to provide at least 50 braille machines to the 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 contributes 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,” Daniels mused further.

An appreciative Sherine Whyte, vice principal at the institution, also lauded the donors for their support of this initiative.

“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, 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. I also commend Digicel for being a champion for persons with special needs and for leading this charge. Through this partnership approach we can truly have a major impact and increase the opportunities available to our community. May God continue to bless them,” she said.