July 2010

Every year, CBM compiles a comprehensive report of achievements from the previous 12 months. This year, as I read through this lengthy document, I could not help but be immensely proud of our work. In light of last year’s recession and financial uncertainty, we were challenged with the seemingly insurmountable task of providing critical services to more than 23.7 million people—a substantial increase from 2008. Yet despite the bad economic times facing our country last year, which resulted in lower income for CBM, we did not have to make the difficult decision to stop funding critical projects in the developing world. This was truly an amazing accomplishment—an accomplishment made possible through the ongoing generous support of investors like you, coupled with a short-term reduction in some of our own key infrastructure expenses, such as not filling open staff positions. Among our many successes in 2009 are:

· +920,000 eye operations were performed.

· +380,000 people received Vitamin A tablets.

· +1.1 million eyeglasses were dispensed.

· +165,000 people were enrolled in empowerment activities including self-help groups

· +64,000 children were enrolled in education programs.

· +675,000 people have had their sight restored through a cataract operation.

· +480,000 received medical treatment for hearing problems.

· +17,000 hearing aids were distributed.

· +96,000 people received support through CBM’s Community Mental Health programs.

· +66,000 people benefited from vocational training and employment programs.

· +2,600 doctors and more than 3,100 nurses/assistants received critical medical training.

· +16,000 teachers learned how to fully include children with disabilities in the classroom.

When we look at these statistics, we must not forget that behind these numbers are real people—men, women, and children who desperately need our help. Children like Hans.

Tucked deep inside the vast slums of northern Lima, Peru, amid endless rows of ramshackle houses, filth and trash, Hans lives with his family. Born with Cerebral Palsy, or CP, a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement, muscle coordination, and often mental capacity, Hans spent most of his days in isolation, lying in a simple plastic tub watching.

Having a child with a disability makes life for families already existing in extreme conditions of poverty even more difficult. With few resources, Hans’ parents did not know what to do to help him. The harsh truth is that people living with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world have little access to rehabilitation and other services. In fact, 98 percent of children with disabilities in the developing world do not attend school. The mortality rate for these children under the age of 5—like Hans—is as high as 80 percent.

Yet in just a short amount of time, Hans’ life has completely transformed. One of CBM’s Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) workers found him and began at-home physical therapy sessions. She enrolled him in a local preschool, and with the assistance of a special chair provided by CBM, Hans now sits upright at the table with the other school children. This child, who could once do little more than lie on the floor, now is considered the brightest in his class.

Hans is one of the more than 23 million people with disabilities annually whose lives have been changed for the better thanks to the generous gifts of CBM supporters. I’d like to ask you to take a few moments to review what we accomplished this year (LINK). Here, you’ll find other inspiring stories and view real evidence of the monumental impact your investment with CBM can make.

 

 

January 2010

Having spent much time with my young grandchildren recently, I found my mind wandering this morning to the story of The Little Engine That Could. As I reflected upon the tale (and the well-known lines, “I think I can, I think I can…”), I realized that the message of the story – having the belief that one can prevail – is very relevant to CBM.

At CBM, we have been able to change the lives of people with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world because of our donors’ belief in us and our mission. Even with a difficult economy this past year, our donors’ giving reflected a spirit of love, compassion, and selflessness. They made investments that weren’t subject to the ebb and flow of the stock market, but rather they invested in the lives of other human beings.

Because of this generosity, sight-restoring surgery was brought to men and women in Malawi who were blind for years because of cataracts. Families in Ethiopia were given a chance to start a business, and grow and store food, so they could keep themselves and their children safe from hunger and famine (and the disability famine brings). And, numerous moms, dads, and children now walk, see, hear or live fully – all because someone said a prayer or gave a gift. As I look back at CBM’s accomplishments in 2009, I can’t thank our donors and investors enough.

I feel so privileged that I get to see and hear about these life-changing transformations on a regular basis. The gifts we have received have changed lives, built vibrant, loving communities, and have helped to shape the world of people living with disabilities….into a world where people have hope, are shown mercy and justice, and experience love.

Thank you to all our donors who have given those living with disabilities a piece of a better world. I look forward to what we can accomplish in 2010. Together, “I know we can…I know we can” make a difference!

Have a very happy New Year and may God richly bless you.

June 2009

Editor’s Note: This is the latest blog installment from CBM-US CEO Ron Nabors recounting his travels to CBM-funded projects in Africa. Here he shares highlights from visiting students at a primary school for deaf children.

One of the children I met in Tanzania, a little girl named Hawa, will be 21 years old when she finishes the sixth grade.

Hawa was born unable to hear and her parents did not know where to take the small girl whose large eyes take in the world around her. By the time she enrolled in a CBM-supported school near her home, Hawa was 10 and did not know how to communicate with others beyond some rudimentary signs.

During my visit to a primary school, I met the child and knelt down, asking her about her plans for the future.

After our guide translated my question, enormous tears welled up in Hawa’s brown eyes, dripping off her eyelashes and dribbling off her chin. As the tears streamed down and collected in a puddle, she struggled to respond to my question and I became concerned I had said something terribly wrong.

When she finally was able to sign, “I did not know that I had a future,” I thought my own heart would break.

How many other bright children like Hawa are living in the poorest countries of the world and being denied access to education because of their disability? While many children would grow discouraged that it takes three additional years to finish primary school because of their disability, Hawa is so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn.

At the same school, CBM offers skills training for adults to improve their standard of living. Most adults coping with a disability did not have the wonderful opportunity to attend school to gain skills that help them become self-supporting. In fact, just 3 percent of adults and children with a disability living in a developing country have access to education or training programs.

Hawa is a lucky girl because she is able to walk to school each day and learn. Because of our donors, she has joined the select 3 percent.

When I think back over my visit to the school and time spent with the hearing impaired students, I can still see the wonderful little girl with large eyes, a bright mind and an even brighter future. I can only imagine all that she will accomplish.

Holland Webb, Director of International Programs, cbm-us

Top Row (L-R) Holland Webb cbm-us. Reginald Paul, National Prevention of Blindness Committee, Haiti. Peter Hansen, Director of Photography, U.S. Bottom Row: (L-R) Alison Hawhee, cbm-us. Dr. Marlyse Dominique, Opthalmologist- Haiti, Dr. Guerline Roney, Opthalmologist- Haiti.

Alison Hawhee, cbm-us and Holland Webb, cbm-us

May 2009

It was my fifth trip to Haiti, and I was not looking forward to it.

After three years of working to secure funding for the project, provide extensive donor reports, and help manage the creation and launch of the first sustainable, social-service eye care facility in northern Haiti, I was finished with this task.

Haiti is a difficult place to work. Systemic poverty and destabilized politics have bred a country that, while possessing beautiful coastline, pleasant weather, and potentially delightful countryside, is now defined by violence, pollution, disease, and hunger.

Churches and governments have poured untold amounts of aid money into Haiti with mixed results. Over the years, I have often wanted to walk away from this project, feeling that the barriers to its success were too high to scale.

But I have to say: I’m glad we stuck it out.

This trip changed my perspective, and rather than barriers, I saw miracles.

Instead of sitting through more difficult administrative meetings in four languages, this time, I was going to produce a documentary. Our subject was the practical lessons we learned to make a community eye care project successful when everything (and I do mean everything) is against you.

This time, I met our clients and saw the ophthalmologist at work. I got to meet the pastor who promotes our work in his rural community and allows us to use his church for our consultations.

I met Macula, an older lady who told me that before her surgery, people cheated her at her tiny store by giving her small bills and then asking for change. Now, that she can see, she was able to put a stop to that.

I met the program’s driver. He had turned up in the operating room one day quite unexpectedly, demanding to know what went on in there. He wanted to know what he was bringing people to do. He has now been trained to do visual acuity checks as well and is one of the most enthusiastic staff members.

I met Nurse Felix, the head nurse, who kept saying about our program’s effects -- “Everything has changed. Everything has changed.”

Against all odds and sometimes without even receiving their regular paychecks, the program’s leaders and staff have persevered and carved out a good place where they make clear vision and good health a possibility for many of the poorest people of northern Haiti.

For the first time, I really saw miracles of hope happening in that place of poverty.

I am transferring to a new position this month, so it’s my last trip to Haiti. And I’m glad it was the best.

You should go, too. It just might give you a change in perspective as well. And who knows? You might even get to see a miracle.