In the Biscuiterie commune of Senegal, an initiative launched by the Association of Handicapped Individuals in Biscuiterie, in partnership with the Stm Foundation, has been making significant strides in promoting digital inclusion for visually impaired individuals. Since 2022, the program has successfully trained over 550 individuals in computer and artificial intelligence skills. This endeavor aims to empower visually impaired individuals, enabling them to participate fully in the digital economy and access various opportunities.
Mariama Diallo, a student at the National Institute of Education and Training for Young Blind (Inefja) in Thiès, is one of the beneficiaries of this program. Born with limited vision, Mariama lost her sight completely at the age of 11 due to a medical condition. Despite her challenges, she has been actively participating in the training program, which utilizes assistive technology to facilitate learning. With the help of this technology, Mariama can now perform tasks independently, such as browsing the internet and using social media.
The training program, led by Adama Thioub, focuses on equipping visually impaired individuals with essential computer skills, including typing, using a mouse, and processing text. As participants progress, they are introduced to more advanced topics, such as artificial intelligence. The program has been structured into modules, with each module consisting of 50 hours of training spread over 20 days. Upon completion of each module, participants undergo an examination to assess their understanding and progress.
Adama Thioub, who himself lost his sight, has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. In 2016, he founded the Association of Handicapped Individuals in Biscuiterie, with the primary objective of promoting the rights and well-being of visually impaired individuals. Through his organization, Thioub has been working tirelessly to create opportunities for visually impaired individuals to acquire new skills and integrate into the workforce.
Despite the program's success, Adama Thioub expresses concerns about the lack of support from government entities. He emphasizes that sustaining this initiative requires substantial resources and backing from relevant authorities. Thioub believes that with the right support, visually impaired individuals can leverage their newfound skills to secure employment and contribute meaningfully to society.
The program has not only been limited to Biscuiterie, as efforts have been made to extend the initiative to other regions in Senegal. However, the Biscuiterie commune has made significant progress, with over 550 individuals trained since 2022. The program's impact is evident, as visually impaired individuals begin to acquire new skills, build confidence, and integrate into the digital economy.
As the program continues to grow, participants like Mariama and Khadija Sall, a trainee in telecommunications, express their gratitude for the opportunities created. They emphasize the need for ongoing support and resources to ensure that visually impaired individuals can continue to acquire new skills and access employment opportunities. The initiative serves as a testament to the potential of digital inclusion in transforming the lives of visually impaired individuals in Senegal.
Key points
- Over 550 visually impaired individuals trained in computer and AI skills in Senegal's Biscuiterie commune since 2022.
