Partnering with the Digital Transformation Centres initiative in Senegal
In a world increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the Digital Transformation Centres Initiative stands as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. Launched in September 2019 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Cisco, the initiative aims to bolster digital capacities among citizens, particularly in marginalized areas worldwide.
Many organizations and associations are part of this global initiative, including governments, the private sector, UN agencies, international associations, and donor agencies. We responded to the call, as we wanted to do our part, and we decided to focus our efforts on visually impaired people in Senegal.
We just concluded our “Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired” with 200 participants, equipping them with essential computer skills. The goal was to open new avenues for employment and autonomy, enabling them to leverage digital technology for personal and professional growth.
The 6-months training (August 2024-January 2025) was conducted across four centers in Senegal: CDEPS Kolda, CDEPS Guediawaye, Enda Ziguinchor, and Mairie Biscuiterie. The course spanned 50 to 60 hours and was structured into six modules covering keyboard use, word processing, file management, Excel, internet browsing, and email usage.
Our proprietary methodology emphasized practical, hands-on learning, utilizing audio content and specialized hardware and software. A special screen reader called nonvisual desktop access (NVDA) played a crucial role in facilitating the training. The training was led by a team of visually impaired instructors, each paired with a sighted assistant. Their role was pivotal in guiding participants through the modules, offering personalized support, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere conducive to learning.
With 41% female participation, beneficiaries came from both urban and rural areas, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to reaching the most underserved populations.
The training successfully empowered participants to create professional documents, manage data, communicate via email, and navigate the internet securely. The practical exercises and comprehensive tests ensured mastery of the skills taught. The initiative fostered greater awareness of the capabilities of visually impaired individuals, enhancing their confidence and opening new possibilities for social and economic participation.
Feedback from participants was so positive that new requests were made: the need for laptops to continue practicing and for more advanced courses, such as Outlook and programming. Recommendations included extending the duration of training sessions and providing additional resources to support ongoing learning.
To ensure sustainability, each participant received a USB drive containing training modules, NVDA manuals, and relevant software. Wednesday evenings were reserved for practice sessions and monthly follow-up calls were conducted to monitor progress.
We are proud to be part of this global network of change agents to bridge the digital divide among visually impaired people in Senegal. The initiative is seeking more partners; if you wish to contribute, you can find the selection criteria and application here: ITU Academy.