Help the boys from this blind family go to school

Update #3 (Sept 4 2024): The money for a new home has been set aside, but unfortunately, the bricks weren't made before the rainy season, so we have to wait. In the meantime, we're focusing on getting the boys in school! The boys are ~7, 9, and 14, and they've never been.

Between supplies for the blind school (~$270 CAD) transportation to the other side of the country (~$50), uniforms for the seeing boys to go to the local school (~$50), and much-needed food and supplies for the family ($50+), we're hoping to fundraise an additional $500.

Update #2 (March 3 2024): Yes, we're still fundraising! The Languurs are difficult to contact, but Shelly and Faiza will be visiting them within the next month to ensure that we're using the funds to best meet their needs. Watch for updates!

Update #1 (Aug 7 2023): The Languur's roof has been repaired!!!

We didn't collect enough (yet) to get them a whole new place, but we wanted to make sure that they're dry, healthy, and comfortable. So we decided to 1) repair the roof, 2) get them a mattress, and 3) buy them some food. (Mattress and food coming soon.)

The cost for the repair, mattress, and food will be 2000 cedi (about $250 CAD) out of 5000 cedi ($600 CAD) raised.

We're still hoping to raise funds for a new home, but if not, we'll spend the remaining $350 CAD in consultation with the family.

*****

Learn about the Langurr family:

The mother, Konlan Languur, was born blind. Her father “gifted” her to her husband, with the hopes that she would have a child who would one day be able to look after her. The oldest child, Yennuyar (who was 11 in the film, but is now 13) fulfilled that role - cleaning the house, collecting firework, cooking the food, and walking miles for water. As you can imagine, Yennuyar never got a chance to go school (yet he still dreams of becoming a teacher!).

Yennuyar walks kilometers to collect water for his family.

Konlan’s other 3 children were born with vision problems, and they all struggle. The family survives on the generosity of neighbors and leftovers from the mill floor. They often go hungry.

The family survives on leftovers from the mill floor.

An aid organization was able to visit and do a preliminary assessment of their vision; they believe there’s nothing to be done, except treat them preventatively for glaucoma. There’s another project underway to get them a more thorough diagnosis.

In the meantime, rainy season is here, and their roof is leaking - badly.

Faiza and I talked about getting the thatch roof repaired, but that would require maintenance. So we’d like to build them a home that will last longer - a traditional mud home, but with a sturdy iron roof.

She got a quote for 6,040 cedis / $750 CAD / €500 - but of course, there’s so much more that can be done.

The quote provided by a local Assembly Member/Teacher.

So here are our fundraising targets:

If you can spare a few dollars, it would help! Sharing this post is another great way to contribute.

On behalf of Konlan, Yennuyar, and the family, THANK YOU!