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        THE BLIND CENTER

    Le Centre d'Education des Aveugles, is the School for the Blind in Kpalime, Togo. God has given us property where we have built classrooms, dormitories and housing for our missionaries.

    The Village of Light was started in 1974 by ABWE missionaries Dal and Kay Washer. It is a branch work of ABWE in Togo, West Africa. The name Village of Light, has two significant meanings:

1 The Village shines the light of the Gospel of Christ into blind hearts through daily Bible lessons, as well as by teaching blind students to read the Bible in French Braille.

2 The Village of Light shines out in academic and practical, daily living. We are training and showing how to become an integral part of their society.

    In 1992 Jane Hankin began working with Kay Washer at The Village of Light. Joan Schmitz has also come to help in educating the students.   

    Our Program of Education and Integration

    (The Monkey in the tree to the right is called "Mo." She belongs to some of the missionaries at the Blind Center)

    The Village of Light has a staff of eleven Togolese teachers and aides to help our students obtain an education from kindergarten through university.

    For those who have difficulty learning we have daily workshops on living skills and marketable artwork that is sold at our boutique.

    God has brought together a network of Christian teachers from throughout Togo who help integrate our students into the public schools and university.

   Our Mission

    Our ministry is a very special work. It is designed for those who have been blinded by disease, accident, or genetics. The school is a haven for those who are shunned by family and society. It is a school where children who are blind hear of a loving heavenly Father who was willing to give His only Son to die for their sins.

    Testimony of our principal

   Kwassivi Awou found himself in a Togo hospital hoping to see again but given no hope by the doctors. An educated man with twenty years experience in the Togo educational system he was depressed and wanted to die. God brought Kay Washer to his sick bed to encourage him to come to the Village of Light to learn how to read French Braille. Kwassivi visited the Village of Light. It took him only a month to learn French Braille. Dal and Kay Washer invited him to the mission church they were in. After several visits with the Pastor of the church Kwassivi received Christ as his Savior. Later Kay invited him to become the principal of our school. His wife is one of our excellent teachers. As Kwassivi "I have been here a long time, not just to earn a salary, but to help the students."

    Ways to help

   Daily prayers for our missionaries and school.

    People who are willing to help give to a scholarship fund for our students. Many of our students do not have the funds to pay for their yearly tuition. Tuition for one student would be $25.00 each year.

    Financial aid for maintenance and new construction projects:

-New roofs on boys and girls dormitories