Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
PEOPLE with disabilities from Matabeleland South province have been equipped with digital skills as part of efforts to ensure digital inclusion in line with Government’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
About 31 participants from the province last week went through a five-day basic digital skills training under a programme organised by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) in collaboration with the Internet Society (Isoc) Zimbabwe Chapter.
The training provided a platform for PWDs to use computers for the first time and was tailor made to ensure that each participant can interact with a computer despite their form of disability.
It is part of an ongoing digital empowerment programme targeting PWDs across the country. In a speech read on his behalf by Universal Services Fund (USF) deputy director, Mr Raxon Tichafa Mujuru, Potraz director general, Dr Gift Machengete, said the organisation remains committed to empowering communities, particularly in marginalised areas in order to bridge the digital divide and creating equal opportunities.
He urged participants to use the digital skills they had acquired as a tool for economic empowerment and social inclusion within their communities and beyond.
“This basic digital skills training workshop marks yet another milestone in our journey towards digital inclusion for people with disabilities.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering communities, particularly in underserved regions, to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for everyone,” said Dr Machengete. “Together, we are breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive digital future. This training is part of a broader programme that began in 2023. Since the inception of the programme, a total of 342 people with disabilities across different provinces have received training in digital skills,” he said.
“This training programme has been conducted in Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Manicaland, Midlands, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Harare and now, Matabeleland South.”
Dr Machengete said the target for this year was to train 210 individuals and that 215 people have been trained so far. He said the training programme will be extended to Matabeleland North before the end of the year.
“The digital age offers immense potential for personal and professional growth and Potraz is committed to ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive in this new era,” said Dr Machengete.
“Looking forward, I would like to assure you that Potraz remains committed to strengthening and expanding this programme. We are focused on making digital skills training more accessible to every corner of Zimbabwe, especially among marginalised communities,” he said.
Isoc trainer, Mr David Fadaralika who was part of the facilitators said participants were grouped according to their disabilities for an effective training process.
He said they first took participants through basic ICT theoretical knowledge as an introduction to computers. Participants were then trained on how to use different computer software.
“We segmented the participants into four different categories according to their disabilities as we had four trainers. For those who are visually impaired, we installed audio software for them to interact with the computers,” he said.
Mr Mthabisi Ndlovu who was among the participants said he was glad that the training programme was tailor-made to accommodate all participants.
He said there is still a huge potential within communities in accommodating people with different forms of disability.
“Digital knowledge is one of the areas where PWD’s are still lagging behind due to various barriers. The visually impaired have been facing a challenge in accessing computer services as the necessary tools are not there. “We are grateful that this programme sought to empower PWDs holistically regardless of the kind of disability,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“This is a sign that PWDs are gradually being recognised and incorporated. We thank Potraz for this noble initiative,” he said.
Chairman of the National Council of the Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ), Gwanda District, Mr Pick Nkomwa, urged participants to fully utilise the knowledge acquired to develop themselves and their communities. He applauded Potraz for mainstreaming disability issues in its activities and appealed for the extension of the programme across provinces.
—@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter