2006 Annual Report
What Unite For Sight's Microenterprise Programs Do
- Generate personal income for women in refugee camps and villages
- Provide means to sustain Unite For Sight international programs
Looking beyond our established programs of eye health care and education, Unite For Sight pioneered a microenterprise venture in Ghana and El Salvador. Unite For Sight's Microenterprise Program facilitates sustainable eye care programs in communities throughout the world. The pilot microenterprise program began at Buduburam Refugee Camp in February 2005, and it serves as a model for all Unite For Sight microenterprise programs worldwide.
To generate income, women create jewelry and eyeglass cases using fabrics, beads, and threads purchased locally. The jewelry and eyeglass cases are sold on the Internet, as well as on university campuses across North America and Europe by Unite For Sight chapter volunteers. Unite For Sight pays the women for each jewelry and eyeglass case that they create. After online and campus sales, 100% of the proceeds fund Unite For Sight's international eye care programs.
Unite For Sight Microenterprise Program at Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana
As female heads of household with limited or no income, Esther and Lucy were the first members of Buduburam Refugee Camp invited to take part in the microenterprise program. Esther said that she is happy for the opportunity to help the community and support the Unite For Sight programs. Prior to arriving in Buduburam, Lucy's home was destroyed in the war in Liberia, leaving her and her children with nothing. Since her arrival, she has been supporting her family by taking in a neighbor's laundry. During the past two years, Esther and Lucy have made great contributions to sustain the success of Unite For Sight's eye care program at Buduburam Refugee Camp.
Unite For Sight Microenterprise Program in El Salvador
Unite For Sight and the Salvadoran Foundation "Fundacion Hermano Mercedes Ruiz (Fundahmer)" provide microloans to women in El Ocotillo, Morazan, El Salvador. The collective group of five women produce beautiful decorative eyeglass cases through this microenterprise initiative. This program provides economic development for each participant and their family.