Get your buzzer finger ready as we play a game of Seva trivia. With 45-plus years, 20 countries, and 57 million people served, we’ve got some history! Test your arcane knowledge in our quiz on the programs, solutions, and people that help make the joy of transforming lives by restoring sight possible.
At the tender age of 11, Pisey is already studying the Khmer language and learning to write in its formal, more difficult form. But she doesn’t stop there; she also draws pictures to accompany her writing. So it was surprising when Pisey’s mom, Dai Vanneth, observed that something was amiss with Pisey’s eyes; they watered while she slept.
They’re smart. They’re original. They’re invested in others.
Meet the inaugural Seva Squad, young artists and activists eager to make the world a better place. From stories that explore not only vision problems but the stigma that can come with it, to video and photo streams, these projects reflect the talent and compassion of their creators.
Young creatives, athletes, artists, and makers of all types are called upon to take Seva’s reach to the next level by joining the Seva Squad, our youth ambassador program for students ages 13 to 18 years old. Seva Squad members will use their talents to create projects that spread the word about Seva’s mission. Completed projects, along with squad members, will be featured on our social media channels, website, and newsletters.
If you know somebody who’d be interested in joining future Seva Squads, point them to the Seva Squad webpage www.seva.org/squad for more information, or have them contact squad leader Judy Zimola at jzimola@seva.org.
In these busy times, it might be easy to forget how much of a difference you create.
But we, and the people we serve, will never forget.
Your generosity, combined with others like you, made it possible for millions of moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles halfway across the world to step into 2023 with better lives.
Every time you choose to restore sight you initiate a virtuous cycle of joy that enables people to return to school, work, and support their families and communities. The caretaker can also pursue an independent career once he/she is relieved of the responsibility. At this very moment, 15-year-old Sandhya Dhital from Nepal, who got her sight back, is studying in a classroom. 28-year-old Mercedes Leguizamòn from Peru, who for years struggled to see, is able to support her children again.
I am here to let you know that we hear you, we see you and we are very thankful for your trust in us to do the work we do. Every click, every share, donation, thought, or note received is felt, seen, and heard. Compassion is a cornerstone to how Seva is possible, and how we set in motion the circle of joy.
Our recently-published report, entitled ‘The Economic and Social Cost of Blindness in India,’ uncovers the cost of vision impairment and the significant need for sustainable eye care. It also shares the solutions we are pioneering in this country. The key takeaway was that India is home to approximately 34 million people who live with blindness or moderate/severe vision impairment, costing the country US $54.4 billion each year.
I see a future astronaut, a teacher, a surgeon or a nurse, and even the next President!
When I joined Seva’s Communications Team in 2019, I made it my mission to inspire action through powerful insights and stories. I dig through data, edit donor reports, and work on advertising campaigns but my greatest joy is reading about the children we serve – learning about their big, bold dreams – and sharing them with you!
Kids like Milka, John, Wendy, and Debdit (pictured above) see this world with starry-eyes, as an adventure where sky’s the limit. They inspire me, as I’m sure they do you, to never lose sight of what’s important in life – joy. It’s why my heart breaks for children who are forced to see the world with uncertainty & despair instead of hope and wonder – and all because of a solvable problem.
In late February, Indian-American singing group Soor Aur Saptak (SAS) held its eleventh annual musical benefit in Portland, Oregon. The theme of this year’s benefit was “Your melody matches mine,” and rightly so. It was a captivating night of Bollywood music, dancing, and singing – all while raising funds to provide eye care for children in India.
Sandhiprakash Bhide, Founder of Soor Aur Saptak, shared, “we cannot believe it has been 11 years since we started this program back in 2012. This would not have been possible without the generous Portland community and now the world community because of our online program.”
Whitney Houston sang it loud & clear: “Children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way!”
Sometimes, the leaders of tomorrow need support to succeed. For kids who struggle to see, life can be a challenge. They miss school, are ostracized by peers when their eyes appear different, & often face issues with self-esteem.
Our school screening programs are designed to address this.We bring eye care to students, teachers, and parents exactly where they are – in the classroom!
You know how the holidays are filled with joyous music, spreading cheer far and wide? Well, we have a treat for you today! Our youth outreach team in Nepal created a jingle about the importance of eye care. It may not be a familial holiday tune, but it has the same spirit and energy this time of year brings to all of us.
Listen to the full clip and follow along with the translations below: