One of our most successful initiatives stems from our cooperation with the ITU, the UN International Telecommunication agency devoted to bridging the digital divide, and it targets an often-forgotten population: visually impaired people, especially those in underserved communities in low-income countries.
Started in Senegal in 2022, the “Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired People” course (ICB4VI) is quickly spreading to other countries. This success is thanks to the exceptional work done in collaboration with Professor Christian Bernareggi from the University of Milan, who helped us create this program in synergy with our Senegal Country Manager Sada Kane. With more than 500 beneficiaries trained so far in Senegal, we started a new set of courses in Pakistan last year (about which you can read here) and in India last December.
In India, we cooperated with our local partner Rashtriya Vrijanand Andh Kanya Vidyalaya Society, whose support and infrastructure have been instrumental in the program’s success.
Following our methodology that leverages the Train-the-Trainer model, we already have 15 dedicated trainers delivering the ICB4VI course across the country.
The ICB4VI course is carefully designed to bridge the digital divide by providing visually impaired individuals with the skills to navigate the online world. The curriculum covers learning how to use email and browse the internet to exploring educational resources, aiming to give each participant the tools to unlock new possibilities. Beyond just teaching the basics of computer usage, this program is focused on empowerment, independence, and equal opportunity. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to thrive in the digital age. The program’s ultimate goal is to open pathways for personal growth, education, and employment, enabling visually impaired individuals to be fully integrated into the digital world.
The pilot batch of the program included seventeen visually impaired girls who underwent the introductory computer training. The positive response from this pilot batch highlighted the program’s effectiveness in boosting confidence and opening new avenues for personal and academic growth.
We are now committed to expanding the program across India, reaching a larger audience of visually impaired individuals. Future plans include offering advanced training modules and exploring vocational applications to further increase employability and career opportunities for participants.
We are grateful to our partners, teachers, and volunteers. This collective effort showcases a shared commitment to empowering visually impaired individuals through education and technology, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in India.
About RVAKV
Rashtriya Virjanand Andh Kanya Vidyalaya (RVAKV) Senior Secondary School offers free education, boarding, lodging, assistive devices, books and other services to visually impaired girls from nursery school to Class 12. Recognized by the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT Delhi and affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), RVAK is widely recognized all across India for nurturing and developing visually impaired girls, helping them become self-reliant and confident citizens capable of reaching their full potential. https://rvakv.org/
Testimonies
The mission of our Foundation is to transform lives through digital literacy. Our significant milestone now is reaching the visually impaired community. Witnessing the enthusiasm of our new participants enriches our lives with a spirit of learning. I am happy to contribute my “bit” to this beautiful cause.
Chhavi Bajpai, (Director, ST Foundation – India)
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the ST Foundation course for visually impaired individuals. As a trainer, I am proud to embrace this chance to elevate the quality of my teaching. I am deeply grateful and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for being included in this first batch of trainers.
Gungun, visually impaired trainer – Indraprastha College for Women (Delhi University)
I am humbled and inspired by the workshop, which highlighted our blindness to the needs of the visually impaired. Technology often relies on visual cues, excluding those without sight. Interacting with the enthusiastic and joyful visually impaired children reminded me to appreciate the small joys in life and be grateful for my blessings.
Parul Mehndiratta, ST Foundation volunteer
