Essilor International, which is the world's leading ophthalmic lens manufacturing group, recently provided very concrete help to the children of the School of Peace in Abidjan.
In the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire -which is also experiencing a great moment of economic growth and urban transformation- childhood remains one of the most difficult ages of life, especially in the poorest neighborhoods and slums.
Many children are sick, even though the vast majority have largely treatable conditions. Some of these diseases are hardly considered such anymore, particularly in the north part of the world. An instance is vision problems. However, the statistics are sometimes surprising. From some eye examinations of 536 children at St. Egidio Peace School -- in the Boribana, Bingerville, Riviera et Palmerai neighborhoods -- it was found that 119 among them needed glasses. Hence, their headaches and frequent complaints of discomfort were simply due to the need to correct their eyesight.
A few days ago, the children finally received their glasses by leading in this way to an easier life ahead of them thanks to the aid of Essilor International's "Vision for life." The handover ceremony took place in the House of the Community of Sant'Egidio in Abidjan.
New eye exams are planned in the coming weeks. They will take place in other parts of the city, starting with the slums of Abobo, Yopougon, and Abidjan South.
119 children will get eye exams and glasses thanks to the support of the Essilor Foundation
