In February, the Eyes of the world coordinators in Mali and Bolivia met with representatives of institutions in Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia and Navarre that collaborate with the Foundation’s projects.
Albert Coulibaly, coordinator of Eyes of the world in Mali, met with the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa to review the programmes financed with funds received by the Provincial Council in recent years, highlighting those aimed at gender activities. Following the meeting, an interview was arranged for the Cadena SER programme ‘Hoy por hoy’. Albert also visited the Gipuzkoa College of Doctors to explain the general context of Mali and the development of the project funded by the College.
At the Bizkaia College of Doctors, Patricia Tárraga, coordinator of Eyes of the world in Bolivia, explained the final results of the ‘Bizkaia looks at Bolivia’ experience and a new collaboration was planned with a distance training programme offered by registered doctors and aimed at students of the Bolivian Public Health School. Albert shared the work carried out by the Foundation in Mali and explained the collaboration initiative through the use of MicroRec, which has been successful in Gipuzkoa and is intended to be replicated in Bizkaia with its members.
The Provincial Council of Bizkaia received both coordinators, who shared first-hand the work being carried out on the ground thanks to their support: improving women’s access to eye care in Mali and the training and awareness-raising work in Bolivian communities to promote eye care and guarantee eye care for the population.
The Eyes of the world coordinator in Bolivia also travelled to Pamplona to meet with representatives of the Government of Navarre, specifically with the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action Section. Patricia presented the success stories of the school eye plans and highlighted the importance of monitoring and sustainability of the projects to ensure their long-term impact.
In Pamplona, Patricia also held a meeting with a group of volunteers to inform and discuss about improving access to eye care in rural areas of Oruro and Tarija, especially for women, children and indigenous communities. A great opportunity to make connections with people interested in supporting the Eyes of the world cause.