Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A non-governmental organisation known as Digital Inclusive Hope of the Blind has empowered some visually impaired students in Anambra State with laptops and digital skills to boost their educational and economic prospects.
The event, which took place in Awka, the state capital, Thursday, was aimed at promoting digital inclusion and enhancing the educational and economic opportunities of visually impaired students in the state.
Brand new HP laptops and antivirus softwares were distributed to two visually impaired undergraduate students, three visually impaired graduates, while a pair of the items was donated to Basden Memorial Special Education Centre, Isulo.
In addition to the laptops, the students received training from tech expert, Onyedika Eze, on the use of assistive digital technologies including screen readers and audio descriptors. They were also trained on other ICT skills like data processing, online research and use of e-books for independent learning, among others.
Coordinator of Digital Inclusive Hope for the Blind in the State, Mr Chude Chukwuebuka, said the activity was part of the goals of the organisation to build the capacities of the PWDs towards exploiting the vast opportunities that abound in today’s digital world.
“Our agenda is to ensure that persons with visual disabilities participate in what their sighted counterparts do in the digital world. We want inclusiveness in the sense that a person with disability can enter and access anything ICT. That we are disabled does not mean that we cannot do better than others.
“Our organisation was formed last year and we have started with the sharing of laptop computers to make some of the students with visual impairment feel included in the society.
“We are praying to have funds to make it an annual programme whereby everything we get from spirited individuals, churches, etc are distributed to our blind community in need of it.
“We selected the beneficiaries from schools including Basen Memorial Special Education Centres, Isulo. Other beneficiaries are visually impaired teachers, students and graduates with visual impairment. We updated their digital and ICT skills before sharing the laptops to them,” he said.
Chude, who is also visually impaired, emphasised that the world’s rapid shift into the digital age should not leave Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) behind. He appealed to the public for support in establishing a comprehensive and inclusive ICT centre specifically designed for the blind. This centre, he said, would provide equal access to digital information and opportunities, enabling the visually impaired to fully participate in and contribute to various digital programmes.
Earlier in his brief goodwill message, Chairman WinCo Foam Industries, Chief Godwin Okafor, represented by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Nonso Anaedozie, reaffirmed his support to the activities of PWDs and pledged commitment to whatever project that would promote inclusivity in the state.
Chairman Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) Abia State Youth Wing, Onukwuwe Chijioke, commended the organisation for the support to the blind youths. He urged the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the materials to improve themselves and society.
Mr. Stephen Agumadu encouraged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to rise above their impairments and strive towards achieving their goals. He urged them to persevere, do their best, and not let their disabilities hold them back from realising their full potential.
Onyekachi Jude, a visually impaired student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, implored PWDs to strive for success, emphasising that true vision goes beyond physical sight. He encouraged them to cultivate resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic, and to prioritise education and self-development as the key to transforming their lives.
One of the beneficiaries, Maureen Ogbonna, a graduate of Sociology and Anthropology at University of Nigeria Nsukka, expressed her gratitude to the organisation for the donation.
“The laptop and digital skills training will enable me to access digital information. I’m a graduate but I still have in mind to go higher. The laptop will help me in a great way for my school and work.”
For Emmanuel Ebubechukwu Samson, a Primary 6 student at Basden Memorial Special Education Centre, Isulo, “Although I’m still learning computer skills, I’m excited about the opportunities the computer will provide to enhance my ICT skills. God will continue to bless the donors.”
