A state-of-the-art ICT training centre has been launched at Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind.
The launch was a partnership between the Chandaria Foundation and the institute.
Chief Principal of Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind Dr Priscilla Nduku Mutua expressed gratitude to the Chandaria Foundation for advancing the Government’s agenda.
She described the ICT centre as a space for empowerment, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusivity and quality education.
“We are thrilled to see how technology can empower individuals with visual impairments. The future of education is digital, and we are proud to ensure that visually impaired students are not left behind,” she said.
The initiative seeks to support the Government’s push for a Creative and Digital Superhighway, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
The centre, equipped with specialized assistive devices and technologies, will provide visually impaired students with the opportunity to acquire critical digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital world.
“In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in shaping lives. Lack of access to digital tools creates barriers to success,” she said,
She thanked the Foundation for bridging this gap and providing students with the tools needed to succeed.
Priti Chandaria of the Chandaria Foundation also expressed pride in the partnership.
The Chandaria Foundation’s donation included 10 desktop computers, 10 Orbit Readers, 10 headphones, 5 scientific talking calculators, 100 reams of Braille paper, and specialized software to enhance the digital learning experience and provide students with the resources to excel in ICT.
“This is just the beginning. We hope to continue supporting other schools and institutions to ensure no one is left behind as we move into the digital age,” Pritt added.
Joseph Njau, Acting Secretary of the State Department for TVET, highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
“This initiative ensures that even students with disabilities can access the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern economy,” he said
The government’s broader TVET strategy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, ensures institutions like Machakos Technical Institute receive the necessary technological infrastructure.
Edwin Kundu, a trainee at the institute, spoke about the transformative impact of the ICT lab.
“The skills we’re learning here are helping us become more independent, process documents, and even take on online jobs. These skills will allow us to compete in the job market and contribute to society.”
For students at Machakos, this center is more than just a place of learning; it is a space of empowerment.
The ability to access digital resources and prepare for employment opportunities has opened new doors.
The centre enables students to engage in tasks such as document processing, data entry, and even digital entrepreneurship.
This initiative also aligns with the government’s focus on inclusive education and the National ODEL (Online Distance Education Learning) program for Special Needs Education (SNE).
The integration of accessible technology ensures students with disabilities have equal access to educational resources and growth opportunities.
Lady Justice Margaret Muigai, representing Chief Justice Martha Koome, emphasized the need for accessible education for people with disabilities.
“This partnership exemplifies how we can ensure vulnerable members of society receive the education and training they deserve,” she said.
The government is working to bridge the gap by equipping special needs institutions with the necessary infrastructure and technology, demonstrating a collective commitment to addressing the digital divide and empowering individuals, regardless of their physical challenges.
Additionally, the E-Waste Hub, launched by the institution, will focus on managing and recycling electronic waste, including electrical equipment, batteries, hard disk shredding, data wiping, and cable recycling. This initiative aims to protect the environment while providing students with valuable skills.
