Bridging the digital divide for people with disability

The Deputy Minister of the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities (DWCPD), Hon. Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, MP in partnership with Cell C officially opened a computer laboratory at Phokeng in Education, School of Excellence in Rustenburg.

As part of celebrating Disability Awareness Rights Month, under the theme “Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all", Cell C donated special computers to students of Phokeng in Education.

Ten computers installed with relevant softwares, double sided braille printer to enable students to print copies in braille, open book to enable students to read and make notes including an installed audio. Over R300 000 was spent on the equipments. Cell C also donated three mobile devices, airtime and access to internet connection for a period of twelve months to wheelchair tennis stars.

Deputy Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities thank Cell C for coming on board and making it possible for disabled students to have access technology tools which will make it easier for them to carry on with their studies and equip them with skills needed in the work place.

“It’s all about education; we aim to equip disabled people to be employable and be able to support their families. We are hoping that this is the beginning of many more centres like this one” said the Deputy Minister.To the students, the Deputy Minister encouraged them to believe in their abilities and strive for greatness in whatever they do.

As disabled people it takes real people to believe in our abilities, we must always strive for greatness. Let us be active citizens; it doesn’t matter whether you are deaf, blind or disabled to make South Africa a better place for future citizens.

Today as you receive these computers, I plea to you all to make use of them. We are hoping that you are going to learn, use these equipments to get yourself ready for work, said the Deputy Minister.

“Disability people have a right to access to ICT equipments such as mobile devices and computers; we are honoured to take part during this disability awareness month by opening doors to access to computers for students of Phokeng in Education said Cell C executive: government relations, Mr Joshua Moela”

Phokeng in Education is an independent training and skills development service provider which specializes in Braille studies, South African Sign Language (SASL), and Information Communication Technology (ICT) training for disabled youth, partially sighted, blind, hard of hearing and deaf persons in and around the rural villages of Rustenburg and the greater North West province. The institution also provides South African Sign Language Interpretation courses.

The school of excellence also provides training in scarce skills such as Braille Production Services, Orientation and Mobility Services to enable blind and partially sighted people to live more independent lives.

Enquiries:
Emilie Olifant
E-mail: Emilie@dwcpd@gov.za
Cell: 082 903 9250

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