In Kaya, a town in the Koulsé region of Burkina Faso, an association is helping visually impaired persons gain financial autonomy through artisanal craft. The Association Wend Waoga des aveugles et malvoyants de Kaya (AWAMK) provides training in braille and artisanal skills, such as weaving and crafting furniture. This initiative has brought hope to persons who had lost their sight due to various reasons, including accidents and diseases.
Hamidou Ouédraogo, a 32-year-old visually impaired person, is one of the beneficiaries of the AWAMK program. He lost his sight at the age of 13 due to an accident at an artisanal gold mining site. His family later fled their hometown of Barsalogho due to terrorist attacks, and they settled in Kaya. With the help of AWAMK, Hamidou learned artisanal weaving and now earns a living, supporting his wife and three children.
The AWAMK association was established to provide support to visually impaired persons in Kaya. The association's president, Antoine Nabasnogo Ouissogonoma, has been instrumental in providing training and resources to the beneficiaries. The program not only provides financial autonomy but also a sense of community and solidarity among the visually impaired persons.
Wenyélé Sebgo, a 27-year-old visually impaired person, is another beneficiary of the AWAMK program. He lost his sight at the age of seven due to a disease. His family fled their hometown of Ouayalgué due to terrorist attacks and settled in Kaya. With the help of AWAMK, Wenyélé learned artisanal weaving and now earns a living, supporting his family.
The AWAMK program has not only provided financial autonomy to visually impaired persons but also helped them build relationships and start families. Several couples have formed within the association, and Wenyélé Sebgo is one of them. He met his wife, who is also visually impaired, through the association, and they have a two-year-old son.
Despite the success of the AWAMK program, there are still many visually impaired persons who live in isolation and poverty. Wenyélé Sebgo expressed concern about the plight of these persons, who lack access to resources and support. The association is working to expand its reach and provide more support to visually impaired persons in Kaya and beyond.
The artisanal craft program has brought a sense of purpose and dignity to visually impaired persons in Kaya. Hamidou Ouédraogo and Wenyélé Sebgo are examples of the many persons who have benefited from the program. With continued support and resources, the AWAMK association aims to empower more visually impaired persons to gain financial autonomy and live with dignity.
Key points
- Visually impaired persons in Kaya, Burkina Faso, learn artisanal skills to gain financial autonomy through the Association Wend Waoga des aveugles et malvoyants de Kaya (AWAMK).
