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In January 2024, Optician Technology students from the Vesalius Institute set off for Banjul for the fifth run of the ‘Machtig Montuur’ project. This project was organised in collaboration with Mieke De Bruycker’s Rainbow Education not-for-profit association.
The aim of the project is to carry out eye tests on schoolchildren who have vision problems and are unable to purchase glasses themselves. After the tests, students can be helped with prescription glasses, sunglasses or eye drops. Where necessary, they are referred to the hospital for further medical care.
After returning to Ostend, the lenses required are ordered, ground and polished, after which the glasses are delivered to the young people who need them under the direction of ‘city link coordinator’ Ousman Jobe. This time we tested the eyes of 335 pupils from seven schools. Of them, 89 had an eye problem that could be resolved with glasses. Glasses can significantly improve the school life of these pupils and contribute to their futures, since education is an important weapon against poverty.
During our stay in Banjul, we also took time to relax, explore the region and discover Gambian culture. We took a boat trip in the mangroves, went to the Albert Market, took a bush taxi, visited the crocodiles in Kachikally crocodile pool, explored Crab Island and visited the optician school in Kanifing. It was an unforgettable experience full of great memories!
Ostend Vesalius Institute Team
