Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
PERSONS with disability from Matabeleland South have been equipped with digital skills as part of efforts to ensure digital inclusion for people with disabilities in line with Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
About 29 participants from various districts in the province took part in the four-day basic digital skills training in Beitbridge under a programme organised by Potraz in collaboration with the Internet Society (Isoc) Zimbabwe
Chapter and Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT).
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.
The initiative is part of an ongoing digital empowerment programme targeting PWDs across the country.
Speaking on Friday during a graduation ceremony to mark the end of the training programme, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) Universal Services Fund (USF) deputy director, Mr Raxon Tichafa Mujuru, said the organisation remains committed to empowering communities, particularly in marginalised areas, to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities.
He said the 29 participants trained in Beitbridge are part of a larger national programme being implemented by Potraz to promote the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Under the programme, 769 persons with disabilities have been trained in basic and advanced ICT skills, drawn from 22 beneficiary institutions across the country.
“This workshop is not simply about learning how to operate a computer or navigate the Internet. It is about empowerment, independence, inclusion and participation. Digital skills are increasingly becoming essential for accessing education, employment, entrepreneurship, financial services, government services, health information and social networks.
“In today’s digital society, limited access to information and communication technologies can create new forms of exclusion.
“Persons who do not possess basic digital skills may find it increasingly difficult to participate fully in economic and social activities. This is why Potraz remains committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind as Zimbabwe continues its digital transformation journey,” said Mr Mujuru.
He said this year 131 persons with disabilities have received ICT skills training, which demonstrates the steady progress being made in building an inclusive digital society in which persons with disabilities are empowered to use technology confidently and productively.
Mr Mujuru urged participants to use the digital skills acquired as a tool for economic empowerment and social inclusion, both within their communities and beyond.
“In this regard, Potraz has disbursed a total of 857 computers to 94 beneficiary institutions serving persons with disabilities. These interventions are intended to create sustainable points of access through which persons with disabilities can continue practising the skills acquired during training and access digital services within their communities,” he said.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust director, Dr Pick Nkomwa, said persons with disabilities are among the groups most affected by digital exclusion. He said capacity-building initiatives help close the gap in access, skills, and opportunities. Dr Nkomwa said investing in digital skills for persons with disabilities is an investment in human potential. It equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to participate fully in education, employment, entrepreneurship, governance and community life, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Dr Nkomwa applauded Potraz for mainstreaming disability issues in its activities, saying the initiative reflects the national commitment to digital transformation under Vision 2030 and the principle of leaving no one and no place behind, ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in the country’s development journey.
Ms Tracy Moyo, who was among the participants, commended the training programme for capacitating PWD’s. — @DubeMatutu
