January 2025 News Wrap

Our work, successes and impact in January 2025.

As the climate crisis worsens, we are working on innovative climate adaptation solutions, tailored for people with disabilities, that address droughts, floods and wildlife challenges in Kenya. 

Alongside people with disabilities, Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) and government authorities, we have been developing locally-led practical solutions. We are also providing business training and advocating at county and community levels for disability inclusion in climate policies and decision-making.

One of the most innovative solutions sees micro-entrepreneurs with disabilities using recycled plastic bottles to scare elephants away from their water storage tanks and vertical vegetable gardens.  

“The women in the community came up with an idea to use waste bottles to build fences. When the wind blows, the bottles make noise, helping to scare away the elephants. It’s a great example of using local resources to solve a big problem,” says David Ndungu, climate activist and Light for the World Project Assistant. 

“But we can’t work on our own. Collaboration with the county and national governments, as well as private sectors, is key to inclusive climate action.”  

On 30 January we joined with partners to mark World neglected tropical disease (NTD) Day. 

At Light for the World, we want to recognise the successful progress towards eliminating trachoma in Ethiopia. In 2024 we conducted the first-ever child mass trachoma treatment campaign in Tigray.  

This mass drug administration (MDA) moves us and our partners one step closer in our goal to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem in Ethiopia by 2030. We proudly unite in this achievement and invite you to join us to call for global action and commitments to combat NTDs! 

The child MDA was implemented by Light for the World in collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau and is funded by The END Fund via the ARISE programme. 

An incredible 271 young people with disabilities have shared their voices, talents and creativity in the “We Can Work” storytelling competition! 

From Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda, the competition brought together powerful stories, vibrant art, videos, photography and audio entries that celebrate resilience, accomplishments, and the boundless potential of young people with disabilities. 

A diverse panel of judges—featuring global advocates and disability rights experts—will assess the entries based on originality, alignment with the “We Can Work” theme, and impact. They’ll crown one winner from each country and one overall winner later this year. 

Stay tuned on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Bluesky for updates and to experience the extraordinary storytelling soon! 

The storytelling compeition is part of is part of the We Can Work programme, a partnership between Light for the World, Mastercard Foundation, African Disability Forum, seven National Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across seven African countries, and Crosswise Works.   

Light for the World held a training session with the Burkinabè Association of Short Stature Persons (ABPPT) in Ouagadougou to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. 

We engaged to break barriers such as stigmatisation and promote inclusion through capacity strengthening around self-confidence, leadership and communication skills. 

“I think this training will change a lot of things in our daily lives,” said President of the ABPPT, Sarah Maïga. 

“In Burkina Faso, people with disabilities face challenges including political, social and barriers,” said Annick Bambara, Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World.  

This session marked the start of an ongoing partnership with ABPPT. Read more about the session at LeFaso.net.