Golfers give hope to blind and partially sighted adults

The Nkosinathi Foundation of and for Blind and Partially Sighted People is able to provide additional support to adults who are in the process of losing their sight, or who are blind thanks to the generosity of sponsors and participants in the annual Algoa Cares Golf Day hosted in March.

The Foundation has been able to kit out a special training room to help the partially sighted and blind to learn how to use a computer.

“Thanks to the R40 000 raised at the golf day, the Foundation has been able to provide a gateway to computer knowledge for blind people,” says Brian Bezuidenhout, Nkosinathi Foundation director.

“Clients who cannot be further assisted by eye specialists, and who are not able to use a computer because of their visual impairment, will be referred to Nkosinathi Foundation.

“Our new Low Vision Services Department will help fast-track adaption to a life severely affected by reduced or no vision.

“In addition to the computer training, we teach life skills to clients and help them to evaluate the various aids that are available to help blind people live a normal life.

“Because of the Algoa Cares Golf Day we can now offer new hope to the sector that we so passionately serve”.

Nkosinathi Foundation chairperson Loandrie Potgieter (subs correct) said at the handover of the system that being computer literacy opened up job opportunities and built self-confidence.

“If you as a blind person know that you have the capability to use a computer, you project that confidence and people no longer see you as a blind person, but as a capable colleague”.

Companies wanting to accommodate blind staff will also be able to evaluate the system before investing in it, he adds.

“Our thanks go to the sponsors and participants of the Algoa Cares golf day,” says Algoa FM marketing manager Lesley Geyer.

“The Algoa Cares golf days hosted in the Garden Route, Gqeberha and Buffalo City, epitomise the Algoa FM philosophy of being serious about having fun. They are a social golfing highlight in each of the regions, while making a real difference in the lives of local people,” she adds.