To empower individuals with disabilities (PWDs) with the abilities and information required to thrive within the twenty first century, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in collaboration with Sightsavers Worldwide, a non-governmental organisation, lately churned out 49 college students from Cohort two of the institute’s IT academy.
The academy, supported by Sightsavers Worldwide, is the second in Africa after the one in Kenya.
Sightsavers developed a well-crafted info and communication know-how (ICT) capacity-building programme primarily based on in-demand digital ability necessities, collaborating with DBI to attain these aims.
Whereas 24 graduated from Lagos campus, 25 different PWDs graduated from Kano Campus of the institute, whereas the Enugu Campus of the DBI can also be able to obtain Sightsavers to leverage on its services for the Southeast.
Talking on the occasion in Lagos, President and Chief Govt Officer, DBI, David Daser, acknowledged the onerous work and achievements of individuals, noting that for PWDs who’ve accomplished their coaching, the event is a testomony to their perseverance, dedication, a major milestone and a trigger for celebration.
Represented by the institute’s Head of Particular Duties, Viola Askia-Usoro, the DBI chief mentioned the academy is a beacon of hope and inclusivity in Africa, whereas restating their dedication to bridging the digital divide and creating alternatives for PWDs to take part within the digital economic system absolutely.
He mentioned: “Our graduates have undergone an intensive nine-month coaching programme, buying expertise in Cisco Licensed Community Affiliate (CCNA), in addition to different supporting modules, akin to product administration, digital advertising and e-commerce, in addition to information evaluation and visualisation. These expertise will allow them to compete favourably within the job market and confidently pursue their passions.
“Individuals with incapacity face obstacles, stigma and discrimination that restrict them from exercising their potential to actualise their desires. These obstacles embrace entry to coaching and capability growth alternatives. Incapacity inclusion is a journey that’s fairly new to the Nigerian society, subsequently, the collaboration of all stakeholders is required to entrench quite a lot of programs and approaches that will promote inclusion in all sectors,” he said.
Daser added that the institute will proceed to advocate for higher inclusion and accessibility within the digital economic system for PWDs and different deprived teams.
He pressured the necessity to break obstacles and create alternatives for individuals with disabilities to take part whereas urging governments in any respect ranges absolutely, the non-public sector, and companies to create alternatives for the engagement of PWDs.
He enjoined the graduating college students to make a distinction, utilizing their expertise and information to create constructive adjustments of their communities and be ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility.
