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Description
The aim of the project is to increase the social inclusion of visually impaired people and the sustainability of the NGO Valguskiir (Ray of Light).
Valguskiir aims to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life and active lifestyle of individuals with special needs, primarily the visually impaired. Through the inclusion and training of visually impaired individuals, many have found motivation and courage in seeking and securing suitable employment. The organization also places importance on generating self-generated income to reduce dependence solely on project funding. However, the lack of adequate facilities within the organization''s premises hinders the development of services, income-generating activities, job creation, and the facilitation of collaborative initiatives.
The activities of the project include the reconstruction of the ground floor of the association’s that will be used for launching the services for creating revenue and jobs as well as for joint events to activate and empower visually impaired people. As a result of the project, NGO Valguskiir will be more independent and sustainable organization whose activities significantly increase the quality of life and active citizenship of people with visual impairments. Final beneficiaries of the project are visually impaired people whose quality of life and well-being has improved. The project partner Blindrafelagid, Icelandic Society for the Visually Impaired (BIAVI) will organize a study visit to Iceland to share their experience in working and empowering visually impaired people.
Summary of project results
The goal of the project is to enhance the capacity of the NGO Valguskiir to create jobs and empower visually impaired individuals.
NGO Valguskiir connects working-age visually impaired people in the city of Tartu and the South Estonia region. The organization''s mission is to contribute to improving the quality of life and fostering an active attitude among people with special needs, primarily those with visual impairments.
The organization owns a building, but it lacks adequate facilities for developing services, generating independent income, creating jobs, and conducting group activities. However, the building holds potential to offer services targeting associations of people with special needs as well as other organizations, clubs, schools, children’s and youth organizations, families, and all visitors to the Võrtsjärv tourism region.
The second target group of the project is visually impaired individuals, whose potential as service providers remains largely untapped. Due to the partial or complete absence of vision, this group faces significant challenges in finding suitable work. They often lack confidence and motivation, which makes entering and maintaining a position in the open labor market difficult. Additionally, they may struggle to take the step to start their own businesses.
The main activities of the project included the renovation of the first floor of the association’s building, the initiation of services, the involvement and training of visually impaired individuals, and the establishment and development of collaboration in Estonia and Iceland.
As a result of the project, the first floor of the building has been insulated, and facilities such as a seminar room, kitchen, accessible restroom, and other activity spaces have been constructed. A training program for visually impaired individuals was conducted, which included entrepreneurship training, social enterprise training, as well as job search and motivation workshops.
Additionally, collaboration events were organized with other associations, including those for people with disabilities, to empower visually impaired individuals. A total of 194 people participated in the training and collaboration events.
Valguskiir is better equipped to provide services thus making the organization more sustainable and also offering jobs to its target group. Currently the organization offers recreational services for toursists at Võrtsjärv region. Renovated premises serve as a basis for offering opportunities for get-together and other activities for visually impaired people.
As a result of project activities, the social inclusion, knowledge, skills, and quality of life of visually impaired people engaged in the project have improved.
Summary of bilateral results
Valguskiir visited Blindrafelagid, Icelandic Society for the Visually Impaired (BIAVI) to learn from their best practices on empowering visually impaired people and about rehabilitation methods and aids for visually impaired people.