May 19, 2024
…50 PWDs trained so far
…Begins cohort 2 training

In an effort to ensure inclusivity and to broaden its fight for the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in this digital space, Sightsavers , an international NGO that operates across African countries including Nigeria, has through its IT Bridge Academy, has continued to equip PWDs, providing them with specific IT skills.

The training which began in 2023 with the cohort 1 trainees, in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) according to Sightsavers targets to train 50 PWDs each year.

The partnership allows the NGO to use the DBI centres in both Kano and Lagos to host beneficiaries of the fully funded IT skill training programme.

Speaking to Politialeconomistng on the inauguration of the cohort 2 trainees in Lagos, Isiyaku Sunday, the Executive director who represented the Country Director Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers in Nigeria and Ghana insists that technology is the way forward which is why the NGO is moving away from teaching PWDs just crafts and looking into the future that provides great opportunity for the young trainees to equip themselves with skills for greater tomorrow.

“We have recognised that PWDs are marginalised and we do not want anyone to be left behind, that is why we started this partnership with DBI”.

“Upon graduation, these exceptional individuals will emerge as certified Cisco professionals, armed with the expertise and confidence to flourish in Nigeria’s ever-evolving tech industry. But the journey doesn’t end there. Sightsavers, true to its commitment, will go the extra mile to support graduates in securing meaningful employment opportunities within organisations that share their passion for inclusivity”.

With over 700 applications this year from across the country, and 50 selected in an open and transparent process, the nine months rigorous training in Kano and Lagos with 25 PWDs in each of the DBI campuses, constitute the initial step which will be followed by internship and then paid jobs for successful trainees.

“The students are trained on the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum, tailored to cater to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. We want to ensure that when they graduate they are able to compete favourably in the tech industry and with those without disabilities”.

A win-win partnership

For Sightsavers, the partnership is a win-win situation, as the DBI is setup mainly for technological and IT training.

“We wanted where we can have this done without having to start afresh because they have the infrastructure and technology needed”. DBI has also seen this as part of their integral training going forward and it’s a win-win situation for both organisations”, Isiyaku Sunday said.

What next for the students

“We are talking to corporate organisations and some of them have agreed to take them on internship which will provide them with the opportunity to learn on the job and hopefully, since they have the skills, they will make themselves available for the labour market”.

“Like you know Nigeria in 2019 signed into law the discrimination against persons with disabilities Act, which encourages and ensures that all employers have at least 5 percent of their employees as PWDs, so we believe this will help to open the market for these group of persons to be able to get employment without any form of bias or discrimination”, Isiyaku Sunday added.