Light for the World

From restored sight in Uganda to inclusive classrooms in South Sudan, May was a month of progress for eye health and disability inclusion.

In Uganda, more than 70 people (most of them children) regained their sight through free eye surgeries at Hoima Referral Hospital. Led by senior ophthalmologist Dr Grace Ssali, the team treated cataracts, glaucoma and other conditions through our Child Eye Health programme "1, 2, 3 I can see!".

In Ethiopia, Light for the World launched its Strategy 2026–2030 for eye health, disability rights and inclusive development, bringing together government, donors and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in Addis Ababa.

In South Sudan, a third cohort of student teachers sat their first-year exams after training in sign language and braille at Rombur National Teachers Training Institute — building inclusive education for learners who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing. Delivered as technical partner on a project funded and led by Education Cannot Wait​ (ECW)​ and Save the Children International​.

In Uganda, the Talent Without Limit career fair in Kampala connected 400 jobseekers with disabilities to 27 employers, spotlighting the We Can Work programme's campaign on inclusive employment.

Read the full news wrap: https://www.light-for-the-world.org/news/child-eye-health-outreach-restores-sight/

May News Wrap: Uganda child eye health outreach restores sight for over 70 people - Light for the World International Light for the World Uganda's child eye health outreach restores sight for over 70 people. Plus Ethiopia's new strategy, South Sudan teachers and Kampala jobs.

What started with just two players during lockdown in 2020 has become something extraordinary.

The Telegraph has featured our blind football programme in South Sudan, telling the story of the Bright Stars — a team now competing internationally, with their sights set on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

As striker Yona Sabri Ellon put it: "It is through football that we will achieve lasting peace in South Sudan."

Read their story here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/the-rise-and-rise-of-south-sudans-blind-footballers/

From lockdown to Los Angeles: the rise and rise of South Sudan’s blind footballers In six years, the Bright Stars have gone from training in a dusty field to preparing for the Paralympics

Our latest News Wrap is here, spotlighting how we drive disability inclusion in humanitarian action, sports, and healthcare:

🔹 Bridging the gap between policy and practice to ensure emergency responses reach everyone

🔹 Training football coaches to promote peace and inclusion through sport

🔹 Shaping employment systems and working with governments for disability rights

🔹 Making sexual and reproductive health services accessible to all, including people with disabilities

Read the full wrap-up: https://www.light-for-the-world.org/news/february-news-wrap-leaving-no-one-behind-in-humanitarian-action/

February News Wrap: leaving no one behind in humanitarian action - Light for the World International Light for the World's February News Wrap, with disability inclusion and eye health news from Burkina Faso, South Sudan and Zero Conference.

New experts joined Light for the World in 2025, while existing colleagues shared insights at international events. 🌟

Read more about our team: https://www.light-for-the-world.org/news/14-good-news-stories-in-2025/