Corrector glasses and sunglasses are a rare commodity in Niger and largely unavailable to nomads. Nomadic women do very fine embroidery and leather work which they would be fully capable of doing after they reach 40 years of age, if only they could see. Everyone’s eyes are damaged by the brutal sun and cataracts are prevalent.
Every mission, Eyes on Africa donates corrector glasses and sun glasses for us to distribute. This year their partner DIFF made the donations and we send big thanks to both.
The distribution of the sunglasses provides some hilarious moment. Our military team is always the first in line since they are never out of the sun when on mission.
When we told him these glasses were for women–he said so am I!
Hearts didn’t seem to bother this guy either.
Besides all the fun of the sunglasses our matrones need them to take blood pressure–a life saving skill for pregnant women.
The wodaabe women of Foudouk are avid embroiders and really appreciate their new glasses.
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