The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a $60 million initiative to support the development of education infrastructure for the blind in Ethiopia. The announcement was made today, February 8, 2017.
This support was provided under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The agreement was signed between the UAE government and Ethiopia’s First Lady, Zinash Tayachew.
The initiative falls within the framework of the UAE government’s international philanthropic activities, Erth Zayed Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Ethiopian government. It aims to build on the success of the Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, which was inaugurated in Addis Ababa last year and officially opened in May 2024.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohamed Haji Al-Kuri, Director of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, who serves as a patron of Erth Zayed Philanthropies.
With 1.2 million people in Ethiopia living with vision impairment, including 332,000 who are completely blind, this support aims to address the humanitarian crisis, particularly in rural areas where education and healthcare services remain inadequate. Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of trachoma, a treatable eye disease that disproportionately affects communities with limited access to basic healthcare services.
In coordination with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, the funding will be used to construct new special-needs schools equipped with modern facilities. These institutions will offer vocational training and serve as centers of excellence, providing blind students with the skills and knowledge needed for higher education and future employment opportunities.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his commitment to supporting blind and visually impaired students, stating:
“Our country extends its hand to all who need support. This initiative is a testament to that commitment. We aim to provide underserved students with a better learning environment, access to quality education, and the opportunity to realize their dreams. We are confident that this initiative will strengthen the spirit of cooperation between our countries.”
Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and strategic partnerships:
“We have long recognized that sustainable development and strategic partnerships are the foundation for lasting change. This support reflects our commitment to lifting communities out of poverty, fostering economic opportunities, and delivering essential services. Our partnership with Ethiopia highlights our dedication to empowering African nations, particularly by investing in education as a key driver of youth empowerment and sustainable development.”
Ethiopia’s First Lady, Zinash Tayachew, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Ethiopian government and people:
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the UAE government for its generous support in advancing our goal of providing quality education for all our citizens. This partnership ensures that blind students have the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed. We remain committed to fostering inclusive social development.”
General Mohamed Hajj Al Khoury, Director General of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to education as a fundamental human right:
“Children should be given the opportunity to learn in an environment that meets their unique needs. By improving education infrastructure and systems, we are laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. This initiative not only highlights education as a source of opportunity and growth for future generations but also reinforces the vital role of global cooperation in achieving lasting change.”
This collaboration underscores the shared vision of both nations in advancing inclusive education, fostering social development, and ensuring that every child—regardless of ability—has access to quality learning opportunities.
