Larne woman fundraises for blind Tanzanian kids

Kirsty Campbell is aiming to raise £5000 for the Kids4School programme to give 99 blind and partially-sighted primary school children, some of whom suffer from albinism, a better future.

The kids, from Hombolo School and Shule ya Msingi Buigiri Wasioona, board at the schools and only see their families during holidays.

However, due to the lack of learning and play facilities, the youngsters spend their spare time cleaning or entertaining themselves in their dorms.

RNIB employee Kirsty is now set to enter three marathons to raise funds to enrich the pupils’ learning as well as to enable them to experience the joy of being children.

“This specialised equipment includes braille machines, talking or braille clocks and watches, tactile games, sensory balls, children’s glasses and eyeshields and braille paper and equipment,” Kirsty explained.

“If they have access to this they will be able to understand what they are being taught, which will increase their knowledge of school subjects as well as their social skills. This will help them to achieve a better future.”

Kirsty described the schools’ play grounds as “really run down.”

“At Harambolo they do not have any facilities for them really, while at Buigiri the slide is in such a state of disrepair that it is dangerous,” she explained.

“They have a couple of swings that still work; but that would be a very long queue to wait in for all 83 children.

“They have a small concrete area for playing ball, which is not ideal for blind children who are likely to fall over and hurt themselves.”

Kirsty is now in training for the Dalriada Festival 10k, followed by the Storming the Castle 10k event in Carrick and the Belfast Half Marathon.

To sponsor Kirsty, visit the “kirstyfortanzania” Justgiving page or Kids4School, 218 York Street, Belfast.