International Programs
“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.”
–Kofi Annan
On Friday, May 16, 2008, we lost our dear friend, Mike Collins, an invaluable member of the Perkins family and director of Hilton/Perkins International for the past 20 years. Because we know Mike touched so many lives, we have created the webpage, www.RememberingMikeCollins.com, where you can share your memories and see what family members, friends, and colleagues from around the world have said about this great man.
Did you know...
There are 1 million children and youth worldwide who are deafblind
There are 6 million children who are blind or visually impaired
Less than 10 percent of these children attend school
Every minute one child in the world goes blind
At least 60 percent of those children die within one year of going blind
Making Dreams Possible
Twenty years ago, a child who was deafblind or blind with additional impairments in developing countries had almost no chance to attend school. At most, they might have received medical treatment or physical therapy. They might have been kept at home altogether.
That’s why Perkins began a formal international program in 1987—to provide these children with the opportunity to attend school, grow to their greatest potential and realize their dreams. Today, we partner with hundreds of local agencies worldwide. Our programs empower and unite community leaders with a shared vision to enrich children’s lives, provide much-needed support to families and their communities, and transform educational priorities.
Each year, Perkins International’s efforts touch the lives of thousands of children who would otherwise be denied educational opportunities.