The Glasses Initiative
Connecting Communities with Recycled Glasses Worldwide
One Tribe Ministries (OTM) supports overseas communities in partnership with Lions Club Australia’s “Recycle for Sight” initiative, which collects donated glasses through Specsavers stores across Australia. OTM distributes these glasses to detainees and underserved communities across the Pacific and beyond. The impact is profound; clear vision is not just a matter of sight; it’s a key to literacy and skills training, opening up valuable opportunities for personal growth.
“Improved vision is a gateway to education, personal growth, and restored hope for brighter futures.”
How Glasses Initiative Supports Literacy and Skills Training
The need for glasses became evident through OTM’s Literacy Program in the Pacific Islands, where vision impairments often prevented participants from engaging with the class. By providing glasses, OTM enables detainees and community members to achieve a grade 3 reading level in just three weeks, unlocking access to further skills training. For example, mechanical trainees can identify small engine parts and read package instructions, while bakers can accurately follow recipes and ingredient labels. This straightforward intervention enhances literacy and equips participants with the practical skills to pursue brighter futures with confidence and hope.
How OTM Distributes Glasses
Volunteers are the backbone of the Glasses Initiative. Recycled glasses reach those in need through a combination of efforts:
- Sorting and Regrading: Donated glasses are regraded and repackaged to match the correct strength. This hands-on involvement notes the quality of the glasses provided but bolsters a sense of community and shared responsibility, making the program a genuine community effort. Anyone is welcome to be involved – even if just 1 hour. Visit our volunteer page to learn how to make a difference.
- Trips with Team Members: OTM team members regularly carry glasses in their luggage during trips, delivering them directly to correctional centres and communities. Regular deliveries include PNG, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji.
- Shipping Pallets: OTM has shipped large quantities of glasses to key locations, including PNG. Volunteers organise shipping, and generous individuals in our community pay for all the associated costs and fees.
- Global Outreach: Partnerships and connections have extended the program’s reach to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Zambia, with plans to expand to the Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga.
The Glasses Initiative is not just about providing glasses but integrating with literacy and skills training, empowering individuals to see a brighter future.