Yesterday was a happy day for the students of Fiji School for the Blind in Vatuwaqa because they received solar-powered electronic Bibles for the first time.

These are electronic devices on which the Bible is recorded in voice form. Also known as the talking Bible it can be charged by solar power or any light source.

The 20 Bibles were handed over to the hostel by the Missionary Sunday School Class of Calvary Temple Assemblies of God (AOG) Church in courtesy of AOG United States (U.S).

The class handed over the popular children’s story book, the Chronicles of Narnia in Braille, which was also donated by AOG U.S and clothes, beddings, shoes and bags by the Fountain of Praise Church, AOG in Auckland.

Hostel matron Kristiana Vere said they were thankful because the Bibles would be very helpful to the students, especially those who were totally blind.

“When the students return from school they are stressed out and tired, so students who have good eyesight watch television while the blind students are left out. This is something they can listen to and help soothe their minds,” she said.

“It would also be very helpful to their spiritual upbringing.”

Ms Vere said they were very thankful to the Sunday school class for thinking of the students and visiting them every Sunday.

“We are very grateful for the clothes, shoes and bags that were donated from New Zealand,” she said.

Sunday school teacher Peni Lomaloma said AOG U.S initially suggested the Bible donation.

“They drew our attention to this Bible and they arranged funding through the AOG missionary Fiji in America. They paid for it and shipped it to us and we are very thankful to them,” Mr Lomaloma said.

“Our friends who have difficulty seeing. Not all of them can read Braille. If they can’t read Braille then there’s no way they can read the Bible. That’s why it’s every important to get the Bible to them in a form that they can easily access.”

Feedback: ana.sovaraki@fijisun.com.fj