In the midst of war, some wounds are immediately visible. Others change lives forever.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of civilians and veterans have suffered traumatic eye injuries caused by missiles, drones, shrapnel, and landmines. Today, an estimated 40,000 Ukrainians have been left blind, including approximately 10,000 children and 18,000 veterans. For many, the loss of sight is only the beginning of a long journey of rebuilding independence, confidence, and hope.
Rotary has long believed that education opens doors and restores dignity. The University District Rotary Club, together with the Rotary Club Ukraine Unity and a growing coalition of District 5030 clubs, is putting that belief into action through SVITLO — Supporting Vision-Impaired Through Learning & Opportunity.
Appropriately, svitlo is the Ukrainian word for “light.”
This innovative project focuses on restoring access to information and it helps restore lives. Through the purchase of two specialized Braille printing systems, the project will produce 150 Braille books for children and veterans who have lost their sight. Three local operators will be trained to produce and maintain these resources, creating sustainable capacity that will continue serving the community long after the grant period ends. The Ukrainian Union of People with Disabilities has committed to continuing Braille book production through 2030, producing at least 100 additional books each year.
But books alone are not enough.
SVITLO also recognizes the emotional and psychological journey faced by those adapting to blindness. Four specialized workshops will equip 80 Ukrainian helping professionals with trauma-informed skills to support newly blinded children and veterans. Weekly support groups in Kyiv and Lviv will provide a compassionate community where participants can learn practical skills, share experiences, and begin rebuilding their futures.
The impact extends far beyond the initial 230 direct beneficiaries. Every professional trained strengthens Ukraine’s capacity to care for future survivors, while every Braille book represents a new opportunity for learning, independence, and hope. This is sustainable humanitarian service at its best, creating resources, developing local expertise, and empowering communities to continue the work themselves.
Already, twelve District 5030 clubs have stepped forward to support this initiative, demonstrating the power of Rotary collaboration across our district. Their leadership has laid the foundation, but there is still an opportunity for additional clubs to become part of this extraordinary effort.
Rotary’s strength has never been measured simply by the dollars we raise, but by the lives we change. SVITLO embodies our commitment to Basic Education and Literacy while responding to one of the most profound humanitarian challenges of our time.
As clubs begin planning their service and giving priorities for the coming Rotary year, we encourage you to consider joining the growing coalition supporting SVITLO. Together, we can help bring light where darkness has fallen, restore opportunity where it has been lost, and demonstrate that the compassion of Rotary knows no borders.
Together, District 5030 can help ensure that those who have lost their sight never lose hope.
For more information, please contact AG Lisa Edwards (Lisasimoneedwards@outlook.com) University District Rotary Club or PDG Kaj Pedersen (kajopp@gmail.com).
