Deutsches Blindenhilfswerk

The roots of the Deutsches Blindenhilfswerk (DBHW) go back more than fifty years to the care of war-blind people in convalescent homes. In the 1980s, the organisation adapted to the changed circumstances and has since focused on international projects in the areas of eye health and education – and therefore fits perfectly into our requirements profile.

Linking the two topics of health and education is particularly important to us, which is why we have been awarding scholarships to young Kenyan women for their further training as ‘Ophthalmic Clinical Officers’ (OCO) since 2023. Unthinkable in Germany, training to become an OCO in African countries relieves the pressure on the small number of ophthalmologists: Over a period of 18 months, the prospective OCOs learn ophthalmological skills that are below those of an ophthalmologist, but enable them to perform common treatments and examinations (specialisation: cataract surgery or low vision).

We have already significantly expanded our cooperation with the DBHW in Kenya: In 2024, the Aumund Foundation decided to finance the construction of a much-needed rehabilitation center for blind and visually impaired children at a primary school in Marigat (Baringo County). In addition to the support center itself, the project includes a girls’ dormitory, eye screenings, and the establishment of a chicken farm as an income-generating measure. Just a few months after its completion, the new facilities enabled an increase in the number of children with disabilities attending the school.