Crossing Paths with Those in Need: Providing Vision Tests for the Maasai

Many of the people the SKYGEN International Foundation serves in northern Tanzania are subsistence farmers, but during our most recent trip we had the good fortune to cross paths with the Maasai, a semi-nomadic ethnic group that follows seasonal rainfall in search of grazing lands for their cattle. The Maasai are known for their bright red robes, though many integrate this traditional dress with Western clothes.

“We sometimes take for granted how easy it is to just ‘go see the eye doctor’ whenever needed, or simply pick up a pair of reading glasses at the grocery store,” says Brett Bennett, the Foundation’s vision director. “But when you don’t have access to essential healthcare, it impacts your life whether you’re a  student, working, reading the Bible, or trying to text someone on your mobile, which is an essential mode of communication in Tanzania.

The Maasai take their name from their language Maa, but many also speak Swahili, which is an official language of Tanzania. Fortunately, our local team speaks Swahili as well. We met up with them at our mobile clinic, where Maasai of all ages received a vision screening and eyeglasses – individual prescription, reading magnifiers, and/or sunglasses – depending on their needs and at no cost.  We also spent some time on oral health education and gave away toothbrush/toothpaste kits courtesy of Colgate.  “What is a toothbrush?” is a real question!

Big Milestone Achieved!

This April, we performed our 300,000th vision test since we began our outreach in Tanzania in 2018. The vision screenings have led to the Foundation giving away almost 85,000 pairs of glasses. Huge crowds of people continue to come to our mobile clinics, and we continue to visit schools as well.

With the generosity of our donors, our partners and SKYGEN, thousands of children and adults now have access to the eyeglasses they need. You can help us continue this work by making a gift today!