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Microsoft has launched a computer lab that will benefit more than 500 pupils at Likoni School for the Blind in Mombasa.
Blind students will benefit from an assistive technology computer lab that is fitted with digitalized learning materials. The lab was opened by Microsoft in partnership with inABLE, a non-governmental organisation.
The lab is part of a larger plan by Microsoft to create educational, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to over 300 million youth around the world.
The initiative follows a successful launch of a similar project in 2009 at the Thika Primary School for the Blind in Kiambu.
“This partnership will involve training for students on how to code, create software and websites to boost the innovative and creative skills for the visually impaired,” said Microsoft Philanthropies Manager for Sub Sahara Africa, Mr Alex Nyingi.
Nyingi was speaking during the opening of the computer lab at Likoni School for the Blind Friday.
Nyingi said that Microsoft targets to empower many people and organisations across the world to achieve more by increasing accessibility to technology to people with different abilities.
Microsoft, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of ICT and inABLE will provide assistive computer labs for persons with disabilities in the country.
These will be achieved through a basic computer-training program developed for learners with blindness and low vision.
“We enthusiastically commend the government for their support of expanding Computer-Lab-for-the-Blind program and appreciate the commitment behind the MoU between MoEST (Ministry of Education) and inABLE that was signed off on the 23rd February 2017 to enable accessibility education at all levels of learning in Kenya,” said inABLE Executive Director Irene Mbari-Kirika.