Malangali Blind School


Susi Delivering Supplies to the Malangali Blind School

So we finally reached one of the places we hoped to help on this trip.  The Malanghali Blind School was originally run by the Diocese of Sumbawanga, but now is managed by the government.  It has 108 students, most of them board here and all have special needs.  The majority are blind, or have degenerative conditions that will make them blind, eventually.  About 40 of the students are Albino, a population particularly hard-pressed in Tanzania as they suffer from blindness, skin conditions, and are horribly maltreated by the society in general.  Albinos will never have regular jobs nor any real life prospects.  Most will die young and are often outcasts from their families.  Regardless, the Malangali Blind School is a refuge for them and others in need.  The government trains the children to read and write in Braille and prepares them with a Primary education.  When we were there we met a group studying for their final exams.  These exams will determine if they can attend Secondary school.  If they pass these exams, they will be allowed to attend one of a handful of Secondary schools that have the capability to address their special needs.  Two of the 12 teachers at this school are also blind.

IN the picture you will see Susi dropping off some gifts that different friends donated for us to bring.  The Sunglasses and Bucket Hats are important as the Albino Children can not handle any sun exposure and what they get accelerates thier degenerative eye conditions.  Dr. Ellen Julia also donated a lot of skin oitnments from her practice and those were also well received.

NEEDS:  Many have you have asked about the needs at this particular place.  The headmaster will be giving us a list tomorrow but today he mentioned:

  • Embossing Machines (prints in Braille from a computer)
  • Braille Machines approx $800 on Amazon (allows students to type their homework in Braille)
  • New Computers
  • Braille text books
  • Approval from government agency to share the power bill with Malangali parish to provide water from a nearby well.  Water is there provided by a new well and tank system but government has to approve the added power bill for the one small pump.  (Ugghhh!!!)

One of the students at the Malangali Blind School and the lead teacher


Teacher seated at right is blind but very dedicated to her profession


Embossing Machine Needed at Blind School

Braille Machine allows students to type their homework

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