ITU and UNESCO to establish a computer-training centre in Ethiopia for the blind and visually impaired

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will establish a computer-training centre in Ethiopia to assist the blind and visually impaired community in that country to gain access to information and communication technologies (ICT).

The two United Nations agencies will lend their support to the Addis Ababa-based Adaptive Technology Centre for the Blind (ATCB) by training blind students, government employees and others to use computers equipped with adaptive devices, such as voice synthesizers, magnifying hardware and software as well as Braille embossers, scanners and printers.

ITU 030038/Photodisc

ITU and ATCB will provide the training equipment and software. In addition, ATCB will make available administrative and professional staff and provide the project office with the necessary facilities and transport. For its part, UNESCO will supply training and curriculum-development materials. The total cost of the project is estimated at more than USD 70 000.

“This joint initiative gives a special group of citizens non-discriminatory access to the benefits and opportunities of the information society, giving them equal opportunities in their academic and professional lives,” says Brahima Sanou, Head of the ITU Regional Office for Africa.

“Through adaptive information technologies, unprecedented in Ethiopian society, the blind and visually impaired will be empowered to play a greater role in overall national development,” adds Mamady Lamine Conde, Director and Resident Representative of UNESCO.

As part of the project, a course for trainers and students will be conducted at five technical schools across Ethiopia. Those who can afford to participate in the project, or their sponsors, will be charged a moderate training fee. Proceeds from the sale of Braille publications such as training manuals, newspapers and other materials, as well as fees and charges from individuals and organizations will also contribute to sustaining the initiative. Furthermore, periodic fund-raising events are expected to mobilize community support.

According to the United States-based International Eye Foundation (IEF), there are about 45 million blind people in the world, the vast majority of them living in Africa. In Ethiopia, the latest census indicates that there are well over 500 000 blind people in the country. Although the ITU/UNESCO project is not the first of its kind in Africa, it seeks to share its experience with other African countries wishing to establish similar centres.