Volunteers help visually impaired children of Ebsar Foundation to purchase stationery supplies at a stationery store in Jeddah. Saudi Gazette Ebsar Foundation is a shining example of an organization that cares for those with special needs. It is a non-governmental, non- profit Saudi organization funded by charitable donations and grants and provides rehabilitation services for visually impaired and those with poor vision. In compliance with instructions from his Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah Province, Ebsar will now extend financial aid and social support specifically to visually impaired students from poor families. These students deserve the chance to lead a stable life and to attend school regularly. Ebsar is extremely active in helping the visionless overcome their disability and enjoy a better quality of life by teaching them skills that will enable them to succeed in both the educational and work arena. The foundation offers courses in Braille, computer and assistive technology training, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, and also family counseling. Prince Talal bin AbdulAziz is one of the staunch supporters of Ebsar Foundation. Representatives from the foundation are scheduled to visit various institutes for the visually impaired in both Makkah and Jeddah to assess the needs of their students from low income families to be able to serve them better. “Ebsar's financial assistance program will include buying school supplies, distributing Braille teaching aids, and a walking cane for the students in need,” Muhammad Tawfiq Billow, Secretary General of Ebsar Foundation, told The Saudi Gazette. He explained that with the surge in prices of food, groceries and school supplies all over the Kingdom, many families are struggling to manage their daily living expenses and some may not be able to afford basic stationery items such as pens, pencils, and note books for their visually impaired child. Ebsar has initiated and implemented a financial assistance program for these families so that their children can attend school with all the supplies that they need, just like their peers. “We are also starting evening tutorial sessions free of charge for these students. The tutorial sessions will help them develop and strengthen their sense of touch, assist them with school homework revision of their daily lessons,” he said. Billow added that Ebsar foundation will also cover all expenses for any food or drink that these students purchase from the school cafeteria. __
