The Afghanistan International Foundation For the Blind is a 501(c)(3) established in August of 2009 in order to improve the lives of the underserved blind population in Afghanistan. The mission of Afghanistan International Foundation for the Blind (AIFB) is:
"The mission of Afghanistan International Foundation for the Blind (AIFB) is to support the medical, educational, vocational, rehabilitative, social and other needs of the blind and visually impaired population of Afghanistan; to promote awareness of deficiencies in the services and resources available to this population; and to assist blind and visually impaired individuals of Afghani origin and their families with resettlement in other nations and communities in order to achieve greater safety, security and access to essential disability-related services."
In order to promote the mission of the organization, the AIFB follows its vision:
1. To provide educational services to all ages. This includes giving access to computer applications and technologies for children, teaching students how to study mathematics and science using tactile systems, providing training, publishing Braille books and sending additional necessary materials and supplies from the United States.
2. AIFB by partnering with medical facilities around the world will offer health services and provide financial support. The aim is to provide prescriptions, laboratory procedures, and operations; in addition, to focus on access to local medical facilities, mental health treatment, chronic disease prevention, childbirth and nutritional guidance.
3. The Foundation provides rehabilitation and evaluation services in Afghanistan in order to help blind individuals enter the workforce or pursue their higher education if they wish to do so. Employment services that can help in job seeking, resume writing and developing soft skills will also be provided. In return, the Afghan government and the private sector are responsible for providing opportunities for blind individuals to become employees. Furthermore, the Foundation will help in computer training and technology related to blindness so that blind individuals can perform efficiently in the workplace and pursue their college education effectively. The Foundation is responsible for mobility training, providing walking canes and teaching the use of guide dogs.
4. Community services will include providing a safe environment at home via accessibility for the blind disabled, and to promote the disability rights movement. AIFB also focuses on the rights of veterans who lost their sight due to war while protecting their country. The foundation advocates for veterans with disabilities by offering employment services, medical treatment and working to improve accessibility to all governmental and private facilities. Domestic violence is one of the components that the AIFB focuses on eliminating by providing negotiation and peacemaking among the blind individuals and families.
Enhancing the lives of all blind Afghan individuals in the country
There are many ways to start supporting Afghanistans' blind community right now! Visit our volunteer page to see our open positions and be sure to check out our upcoming events and fundraisers!
The foundation provides blind individuals with psychosocial and medical support for essential health and well-being by working with existing groups to expand.
The Afghanistan International Foundation for the Blind's purpose is to enhance the lives of blind individuals in Afghanistan who are suffering from a lack of adequate health and educational services. The foundation will provide psychosocial and medical support for essential health and well-being by working with existing groups to expand and offer gratis services in a safe environment. Additionally the foundation will promote the opportunity for blind children and youth to receive an education in literature, science, computers and technology through the high school level. Rehabilitation and evaluation services will be offered to prepare them for higher education and entry into the workforce.
