About Light for the World

26 million people in developing countries are affected by a form of avoidable blindness.

Together we give them a view
on a better future

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Working together to eradicate blindness in the world.

Light for the World fights avoidable blindness and reinforces the integration of people with a visual impairment in Africa. As a recognized Belgian NGO, we provide accessible eye care and promote inclusive education.

Local partners are at the heart of Light for the World’s programmes. We provide financial, technical and organizational support to our partners in Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. This is the only way to make sure that blind and people with a visually impairment get the best possible services.

OUR VALUES

Integrity

We treat each other with mutual respect. We are honest, fair and reliable. We expect the same from our partners.

Decisiveness

We implement our plans in an efficient and effective way.

Compassion

We look for establishing sustainable relationships and building trust through dialogue and inclusion. We feel connected with and committed to others. We respect the specificity of each individual.

Involvement

We feel connected to our mission and vision and believe that our actions are meaningful. We make firm commitments to defend human rights and aim at the full participation of people with disabilities. We strive for sustainable development and involve all stakeholders in our action.

Professionalism and focus

We have the expertise and skills to implement our mission in the most effective way. We focus on saving eyesight, improving the quality of life and empowering people with disabilities.

YOUR DONATION IS IN GOOD HANDS

You can rest assured that we spend your gifts well. Our financial management is sound and transparent. An independent auditor audits our annual accounts. We are a member of VEF-AERF, the Association for Fundraising Ethics.

As a donor you are entitled to information. In our annual report (Dutch and French versions) we provide an overview of our results and of the allocation of our financial resources. Light for the World fulfils the conditions set by the Ministry of Finance to enable the issue of tax certificates.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON OUR HISTORY

2020

Establishment of a local office in Tanzania and recruitment of a Tanzanian coordinator

2019

Inauguration of the new buildings for consultation and hospitalization at Saint Raphael Eye Hospital in Mbuyi Mayi, Congo

2018

Start of collaboration with Saint Joseph's Mission Hospital in Songea and Saint Francis Hospital in Ifakara in southern Tanzania

2017

Start of Inclusive Education project in Kabgayi and start of support to the School for blind and visually impaired children in Rwamagana, Rwanda (in partnership with Fracarita Belgium)

2016

Opening of the Mwangaza Eye Clinic in Kolwezi, Congo

2014

Launching the Inclusive Education Project in Lubumbashi, Congo

2012

Opening of St. Joseph’s Eye Clinic in Likasi, Congo

2010

Start of the collaboration with the Tanzania Society for the Blind about inclusive education and of the partnership with St. Raphael’s Eye Clinic in Mbuji-Mayi, Congo

2009

Start of the collaboration with St. Yvonne’s Eye Clinic in Lubumbashi, Congo

2008

CBM Belgium officially becomes Light for the World, an independent Belgian NGO

2003

First cataract surgery on children performed at the Kabgayi Eye Unit in Gitarama, Rwanda

1997

Foundation of Light for the World, under the name of Christian Blind Mission and start of the first project: the CCBRT hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

INTERNATIONAL

Light for the World Belgium is a member of Light for the World International. This international network allows us to develop our expertise.
By doing so, we ensure a broader understanding and support from the authorities aiming at empowering the rights of people with disabilities.

member organisations

108

projects

countries

958003

consultations

105982

surgeries

9139

children go to school