Sometimes, fulfilling a dream is just the beginning of the journey. Your 1.5% tax for 2025 can become real help for blind children in India.
According to research, India is the country with the largest number of blind people in the world. Of the 37 million blind people globally, more than 15 million are from India, and only 2% of them have any education.
The everyday life of blind people in India is full of obstacles that significantly limit their opportunities for development and participation in social life. Dangerous roads, a lack of disability-friendly infrastructure, crowded and chaotic public transport, and a lack of systemic support for mobility mean that many people give up on education, medical treatment, social contacts, and even family relationships. For children from poor backgrounds, this means a life marked not only by material poverty, but also by isolation and a sense of exclusion.
The Secretariat of Foreign Missions of the Priests of the Sacred Heart has been supporting Mother Czacka's work in India for several years. At the end of last year, we received a request from the Franciscan Sisters Servants of the Cross for support in a very specific need that will significantly affect the functioning of the school and boarding school in Bangalore. Currently, 109 blind and visually impaired children from the slums of Bangalore, various parts of Karnataka state, and neighboring states are studying there. The sisters run a primary boarding school, implementing a curriculum in line with the public system, but adapted to the needs of blind students. In addition to standard subjects, the children learn Braille, spatial orientation, how to use a white cane, everyday activities, and various forms of crafts. Visually impaired children participate in classes to improve their range of vision. An important element of care is also physiotherapy, which plays a key role in improving the quality of life of children with additional disabilities.
Here is the message sent by Sister Amlee Thiraviam, a Franciscan Servant of the Cross from Jyothi Seva:
"We recently managed to buy a house next to the school—something we had prayed for and waited for for many years. This house has always been our dream because it gives us the opportunity to expand the space for the blind children we serve. However, purchasing it presented some serious challenges.
The previous owner, a man with a big heart, had great respect for our work. Before his death, he instructed his sons to offer the house to the sisters first if it was sold. They respected his wishes and gave us this opportunity. Although we did not have sufficient financial resources, we trusted in God's providence, and thanks to several kind benefactors, we managed to buy the house at the last minute.
Now, however, we face another challenge: the house is in poor condition and requires extensive renovation, for which we currently do not have the funds. Our vision is to create accessible classrooms, a resource room, a Braille library, and therapy rooms in this space.
However, we do not lose hope and continue to trust in God's providence. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
We could not remain indifferent to this request, so we will donate all funds collected through the 1.5% tax deduction for 2025 to blind children in India to help them fulfill their dream.
