World Braille Day

World Braille Day is observed on January 4th in order to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially-sighted people. Invented by Louis Braille in the early 1800's (inspired by a night writing technique used by the French army), braille gives blind persons access to reading materials so they can learn, explore and navigate written documents.

St. Odilia Special School, a sub site of Kawambwa site in Zambia, provides special education support to vulnerable and visually impaired children from the community. The staff works hard to include life skills in their studies to prepare them for life beyond school. The site also works closely with the community through the delivery of projects and programs including financial management skills to parents and guardians of children under Chalice sponsorship.

Last year the school was happy to report that 80 percent of pupils with visual impairment have improved in their reading and writing of braille. The implementation of extracurricular activities, including a debate program, has increased exam scores, and counselling sessions have improved both academic performance and behavior.

St. Odilia School believes that every visually impaired child has the right to access a good education. An excellent quality of education is offered at the school with the slogan of "Disability is not inability."