Unite For Sight Founder Recieves YouthActionNet Award, Money To Aid Cataract Patients In Ghana

Connecticut - June 16, 2004 - Unite for Sight’s Founder, President and CEO Jennifer Staple received one of 11 YouthActionNet Awards yesterday in recognition of the positive social change that Unite for Sight promotes throughout the world.  The award, sponsored by Nokia and the International Youth Foundation (IYF), consists of US$500 and visibility through electronic and print materials in order to support Unite for Sight's international eye health programs.

YouthActionNet awards youth leaders and their emerging projects that promote social change and connect youth with local communities. Since the YouthActionNet awards competition started in January 2002, more then 1,950 young leaders under the age of 29 from over 60 countries have sent in their applications.  Twenty young leaders are selected for the award annually.  According to the International Youth Foundation President David Hornbeck, “YouthActionNet awards spotlight the tremendous contributions of young people around the world.  At a time when it’s easy to get discouraged in the face of global challenges, these young people offer a host of innovative ideas, positive energy, and hope that change is not only possible, but is happening every day as a result of their hard work and commitment.”

Jennifer Staple, 22, founded Unite For Sight in Fall 2000 while a sophomore college student at Yale University.  The organization grew from a community-based organization in New Haven, Connecticut, to an international global humanitarian organization with more than 60 chapters and 1,600 volunteers throughout the world, from the United States and Canada to India, Pakistan, Malawi and Guinea.  Unite For Sight’s volunteers include students, physicians, graphic designers, web designers, and corporate professionals. 

Jennifer’s YouthActionNet Award will fund Unite For Sight’s Cataract Surgery Program in Humjibre, Ghana to restore sight among cataract patients.  Unite For Sight’s student interns in Ghana screen for operable cataracts in the village and help to transport the patients with operable cataracts to the Cape Coast Christian Eye Centre in Cape Coast, Ghana, for surgery.

About Unite For Sight

Unite For Sight® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers communities worldwide to improve eye health and eliminate preventable blindness. Unite For Sight's unwavering commitment to creating a real, lasting impact involves three types of programs: chapters in North America, international eye care outreach programs, and an annual global health conference. Unite For Sight has trained more than 4,000 volunteers who work in their local communities and abroad to provide eye health programs for those without previous access and has provided eye care services to more than 600,000 people worldwide.

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