BOTSWANA – UCCSA LEPHOI CENTRE FOR THE BLIND
BOTSWANA – UCCSA LEPHOI CENTRE FOR THE BLIND
The Lephoi Centre is a registered community-based organization situated in Francistown, Botswana. The Centre has a functioning Board of Governors who provide strategic direction for its 5 year Strategic Plan.
The Centre has the capacity to accommodate 54 children but currently is not at capacity. The Vision of Lephoi aims to be a residence of excellence for the blind. Their Mission is Lephoi Centre exists to provide residence for the blind children to access specialized primary education, as well as to provide basic developmental support.
The Centre provides Residency (hostel accommodations), Rehabilitation and Stimulation, Spiritual and Skills Development, Academic, and Psychosocial Support.
In 2025, the Centre commemorated 40 years of supporting educational development of learners with visual impairment and it supports the learners’ access to specialized education offered at Phatlhogo Primary School and Form 1 students enrolled at Selolwe Junior Secondary School in Monarch.
Some children in the program have multiple disabilities. To support their school readiness, the Centre ensures they have maximum health care assistance, some of which is only available in other cities and towns as far as up to 315 kilometers (165 miles) away.
It has become increasingly evident that the education level of children under our care is significantly behind that of a normal sighted child. As a result, many are finding it difficult to complete basic education. Cognizant of that, the Centre acquired 5 hectare farm land to be developed into a Skills Development Centre which will instill in each child skills that may help them become successful in their communities despite their limited education. They would gain skills in Horticulture, Poultry Management, Beadwork, Piggery, or Music. Other options of development include a Tea Garden, Campsite, Flower Nursery and more. The project is expected to develop into a self-sustaining venture with an ability to support the entire Centre operation.
Through sponsors of the Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship Program, children receive assistance with their education, lodging, food, and specialized support.
A monthly gift of $30.00 will sponsor a child. If you would like information on becoming a sponsor through the Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship Program, please click here or contact Phyllis Richards by email at ChildSponsorship@ucc.org or you may phone her at 216-736-3515.