Empowering Uganda’s visually impaired through digital literacy
In a small training room in Kampala, 30 students—each with unique stories and challenges—gathered for an initiative that promised to change their lives. For many, it was their first step into the digital world, a place that had long seemed inaccessible.
Partnering with us and the ITU this time was the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), setting the stage for our course on “Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired” (ICBVI)”.
Uganda is home to approximately 2.8 million visually impaired individuals, according to the 2023 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey. For this community, access to education, employment, and even basic services often remains a distant dream. Recognizing this gap, the Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired (ICBVI) program was designed with a clear mission: to empower visually impaired individuals with essential digital skills, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
The training, spanning two weeks, was structured into six modules: keyboard navigation, word processing, file management, Microsoft Excel, internet browsing, and email usage. These skills, often taken for granted by the sighted population, represented a gateway to independence and opportunity for the participants.
At the heart of the program were three dedicated instructors: Prof. Christian Bernareggi from the University of Turin, Ms. Roobi Roobi and our Country Manager Sada Kane, both experienced trainer from Senegal.
Their combined expertise and passion for inclusivity created a supportive and engaging learning environment. They were not just teaching digital skills; they were instilling confidence, fostering independence, and breaking barriers.
One of our uniqueness of our Foundation is the Train-the-trainer approach. This time, twenty sighted instructors were trained to teach computer skills using only keyboards, bypassing the reliance on a mouse. This method not only made the training more accessible but also ensured its sustainability. These trainers, armed with inclusive teaching methodologies, are now equipped to cascade their knowledge to others, creating a ripple effect that will reach countless visually impaired individuals across Uganda.
“At UICT, inclusion is not a slogan, it is a practice” said Dr. Fredrick Kitoogo, Principal of UICT. “This training exemplifies our institutional mission to leave no one behind in the digital revolution. By equipping visually impaired and partially sighted individuals with foundational ICT skills, we are enabling new pathways to employment, education, innovation, and independence.”
One trainee shared, “this training has opened doors for me. I can now navigate the digital world with confidence, which I never thought possible.” Such testimonials highlight the profound impact of the program, not only in terms of skill acquisition but also in fostering self-confidence and independence.
The ICBVI initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, which aims to build an inclusive digital economy by promoting universal access to ICTs and bridging the digital divide. By targeting marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, the program is a critical step towards realizing this vision.
Furthermore, the success of the ICBVI training comes from a tight collaboration among governmental bodies, international organizations, and local institutions. By creating a pool of certified trainers and fostering a culture of inclusivity, the program has laid a strong foundation for sustainable impact. The ripple effect of this initiative will continue to empower Uganda’s visually impaired community, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
