The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association observed Blindness Awareness Month in May, under the theme “Empowering Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders, by Promoting an Inclusive Society.”

Patron of the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, said the theme reflects the thrust of the organization.

"This was a very appropriate theme since all are agreed that investing in our youth is investing in our future.  Indeed, the association has had a very successful track record with its Integrated Education Program, as children with blindness and vision impairment are currently being educated alongside their sighted peers at all levels of the school system."

Dame Pearlette encouraged the nation to use the services offered by the organization, which include education services, the eye health program, and the rehabilitation and counselling program.

The Association said there is still a very long way to go, however, sustained progress is hampered by the impact of global economic adjustment on the capacity of traditional friends to support agencies like the Blind Welfare Association; the ability of both man-made and natural disasters to siphon available resources from human service agencies like itself; national, regional, and international competition for scarce resources; and local penetration of the new “me and only me” culture.

The association had several fundraising ventures to supplement its income such as the Grand Tea Party Fund for Sight, Walk a Mile in my Shoes, and a special luncheon.