Safietou Seydi, a 32-year-old from Kolda, Senegal, was born blind. Growing up, she faced many obstacles—she never attended school, despite her desire to learn, and struggled to find a path to independence. Her passion for radio provided some solace, but she never imagined that technology could play a role in her future. That all changed with the support of the ST Foundation.
Through a collaborative initiative with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), we have launched programs designed to empower marginalized communities in Senegal. This includes providing digital skills training to visually impaired individuals like Safietou. Thanks to this program, she discovered a new world of opportunities: “I never imagined that a blind person could learn to use computers. It’s my first time, and it’s all thanks to the ST Foundation,” she shares. Safietou can now write her own name and has developed a passion for learning more. Her dream is to use these skills to enhance her work at the local radio station where she volunteers. With newfound confidence, she envisions a future where she can operate independently and make a greater impact in her community.
This initiative is just one example of the work ITU and we are doing to bridge the digital divide. In addition to programs for the visually impaired, their collaboration also focuses on training young girls across several centers in Senegal, empowering them with computer literacy and leadership skills.
By creating opportunities for all, we continue to make strides in fostering inclusion and digital transformation.