SABVI launches Braille classes for adults |10 February 2023

The ability to read and write is essential for anyone to thrive in this contemporary age. Although learning to read and write in traditional ways may not be possible when you cannot see print on a page, there are many other paths to becoming literate. Learning to read and write in Braille can make a dramatic difference in the life of a visually impaired child or adult. Braille is an irreplaceable and modern method for literacy.

To make this possible, the Seychelles Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SABVI), through Brigitte Lablache, launched the much awaited Braille classes for adults yesterday at The Domus (Catholic priests’ residence).

The director for Disabled within the Family department, Marco Gerry, noted that these classes will allow people with vision problem to participate in the development of the country and contribute towards the society.

“With this new programme, I hope the community will be made aware of what is going on and how they can contribute towards making our society a more inclusive one,” he said.

Brigitte Lablache, chairperson of SABVI, was overjoyed while launching the class. “This is a project we wanted to launch for a long time and due to unavailability of a place, we had to put it on hold. It is a dream come true for me since I was a child. SABVI supported me to achieve this dream. Braille is something very important and I learnt it when I was a child. It changed my life,” shared Ms Lablache.

This class will take place once a week on Thursdays for two hours at The Domus. “I am ready to give back to the community as I got to learn from it. To start we have eight students and it will run till December. We expect to have four more students. The programme is partly sponsored by SABVI and partly by National Grant.”

Father David Alcindor shared that the church is happy to help in this programme and invites all to join SABVI in order to have a better life

The First Lady, Linda Ramkalawan, also attended the launch ceremony and congratulated SABVI for such an initiative.

“This is a very encouraging initiative and I know this is very necessary for adults who have lost their vision. It is tough when you lose your eyesight as an adult, and if they learn Braille it will bring much joy to them and help improve their lives.”

Rosabel Hoareau is also in the class and is looking forward to learning with the group. “I learnt Braille differently and I am looking forward to learn Braille in tactile. I cannot read a book right now but I do listen to audio books. With Braille, we hope to be able to read the books as already many people want to sponsor some books for us.”

During the launch there was also a demonstration on how to use the different tools to learn Braille – a box with six balls, a small electric apparatus, wooden alphabet and legos braille box.

Ms Lablache said that currently there is an ongoing survey to know how many people are blind or visually impaired.

“I am sad that we still have people who are not yet out in the society. My parents seized all the opportunities to give me the necessary exposure and I keep learning every single day. Please come forward and make the best of what we have.”

The accompanying photo show some highlights of the launch ceremony.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Louis Toussaint