Over 100 visually impaired children to benefit from skills training programme

Approximately 100 visually impaired children across Guyana will benefit from specialised training focused on providing them with relevant computer literate skills and empowering them to lead independent lives.

Programme Manager of the Guyana Council of Organisation for Persons with Disabilities, Ganesh Singh on Wednesday said many visually impaired children face challenges in the classroom because they lack the tools and skills needed to access information and participate fully in their education.

“We’re going to partner with the Ministry of Education to work with some of the blind children they are currently assessing in the regions and provide them with the necessary skills so that they can acquire a meaningful education,” Singh said.

According to Singh, the programme, which complements the recently launch Fifth Phase of the Guyana Independent Living Skills, will focus on teaching children how to use computers with screen-reading software, a critical skill for blind students pursuing their studies.

In addition to technology training, participants will receive rehabilitation counselling, career guidance, and support to help them identify educational and career opportunities.

Singh said that many young people with disabilities leave school uncertain about their future. Through this programme, they can benefit from guidance counselling, career guidance and the actual training needed to prepare them for the opportunities that exist.

The Independent Living Skills initiative has already transformed lives, with more than 1,500 persons benefiting from various training opportunities over the years.

He also said that the programme aims to empower children and young adults with disabilities to pursue higher education, employment and independent living.