Click here to view David Korchin’s photography
A truly rewarding experience I am privileged to enjoy as the director of Ears To Our World is to work directly with kids and teachers in the countries where we extend our mission.
This year, photographer/SWLer/radio amateur–and good friend–David Korchin (KC2WNW) accompanied me on an ETOW distribution trip to inner Belize City. Besides grabbing a few moments to enjoy a little SWLing, we worked with ETOW partner organization, The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired, to place radios with some of the children attending their annual summer camp. This was the third year we’ve worked with the BCVI, and it’s been a very rewarding journey.
Can you imagine what impact a self-powered shortwave radio might have on a child who is visually-impaired, but whose family can’t readily afford batteries? If you can fill in the answer, you’ll know why I do this.
Today, David posted his photos from the trip, documenting these truly inspirational children. The photos are nothing short of amazing. Click here to view the photos on his website: davidkorchin.com
You might recognize the radios we’re distributing; they were generously donated by Eton Corporation and are shortwave versions of their clever little wind-up workhorse, the Rover. Eton, incidentally, is celebrating their 27th anniversary today.
And, David–many, many thanks!
How many of these kids can read Braille? Might be a logical next step to consider ways of labeling the radios and dials with braille.
Thanks for your comment, Aaron.
We’ve been trying find ways to use appropriate accessible technologies and braille resources with these children. Fortunately, this is an area where the BCVI has resources, but there are some gaps we would like to help fill. Funny enough, these children mastered these analog radios in no time; finding the volume, tuning, band switching, etc. It was easy for them because the radios are tactile and very simple. If we were to start using more complicated, digital radios or MP3 players, I think you’re right and we might just have to invest in braille labeling if nothing else. Getting manufacturers to alter design is quite tough for quantities under the tens of thousands.
Again, thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Thomas