EMPIRE SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27400, 13 July 1954, Page 14

EMPIRE SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND

Recommendations For East Africa (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, July 12. The visit to East Africa of Sir Clutha Mackenzie on behalf of the British Empire Society for the Blind had made “profound impressions” there and his conclusions were being carefully considered by the East African governments, states the society’s annual report. Sir Clutha Mackenzie recommended the affiliation of local societies to the British Empire Society for the Blind arid supported the establishment of d regional adviser in these territories. He urged that a rural training scheme should be instituted under which blind persons could be trained to cultivate their own plots of ground, and blind women and girls to continue their household duties. He warned against over-emphasis on literacy, and suggested that training and work should be provided for detribalised and urban blind, and that higher vocational training should be arranged for newly-blinded and educated young adults who already had experience as school teachers and university teachers. The four East African governments have now approved the appointment by the society of a regional adviser and have agreed to recommend their legislatures to make grants towards the cost of a regional office. The report refers to the “great impetus” given to rural training for the blind in East Africa by Sir Clutha Mackenzie’s tour.