11th February, 2009

Today SISP was very pleased to host a visit from the Braille Without Borders organisation. In 2008 BWB established its International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE) at Vellayani Lake, about 5km from our SISP Centre.

The purpose of the IISE is to empower people who feel an urge to make a positive change in their country, society or surrounding, with a particular emphasis on the blind and visually impaired. The IISE gives training in management, fundraising, PR activities, project planning, computer technology, English, communication and interpersonal skills. After completing the course the participants will be in a position to fight for their rights, to negotiate with governmental leaders and help to change the attitudes towards marginalized groups through setting up social and/or environmental projects in their own regions or countries.

BWB founder Paul Kronenberg and around 25 participants plus guides attended a meeting with SISP's Paul Van Gelder and Mrs Kumari. Paul related the details of how he and Werner came to set up SISP, the problems they encountered and overcame along the way, and where SISP is now. There followed a question and answer session with Paul fielding many questions from the obviously fascinated and impressed participants. They gained much insight into the workings of SISP for which they were very grateful. After a cup of tea they were given a tour of SISP's craft workshops and were delighted to meet some of our children.

Braille Without Borders