In order to empower and assist them in facilitating employment, the Edo State administration, in collaboration with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has trained 29 individuals who are virtually disabled in digital technology.In keeping with the theme of the International Day for Persons with Disability (IDPD) 2023 goals, Dr. Detlef Barth, Team Leader, Skills Development for Youth Employment, stated at the graduation ceremony/summit on Thursday under the theme, "Fostering Digital Inclusion to Empower and Facilitate Employment for Visually Impaired Persons," that the summit's goal is to promote dialogue, share best practices, and develop practical action plans to address the difficulties faced by people with disabilities in accessing employment opportunities.
He states that the training was conducted from August 1st to August 12th.
According to him, the summit placed a strong emphasis on the necessity of cooperation between all parties involved in establishing an inclusive workplace.
Barth stated that in order to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, administrative rules, policies, and procedures must be reasonably adjusted. She also emphasized the significance of educating employers and giving them the information they require to recognize and value a diverse workforce, as mandated by the Nigerian Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
The aim of the summit is to promote communication, exchange optimal methodologies, and create tangible action strategies to tackle the obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities when trying to obtain employment opportunities, in keeping with the theme of the International Day for Persons with Disability (IDPD) 2023 Goals. The summit highlights how crucial it is for all parties involved to work together to create an inclusive workplace.
Imafidon Lucky, the leader of the National Association for the Blind's Edo State chapter and one of the 29 participants, claimed that his incapacity to operate a computer almost cost him his job.
He complimented the Edo State government and GIZ for the training, saying it gave him the skills he required for his profession and allowed him to perform efficiently without worrying about losing his job.
"I'm glad to have participated in the training because it has equipped me with the knowledge and abilities to perform my duties as an administrative officer at work more effectively," he stated. I almost lost my job a while back due to my lack of computer literacy. I applaud GIZ and Edo State for providing the training.
Michael Obah, another beneficiary, expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing the training for the virtually impaired, saying it opened his eyes. He was happy that the newfound ability will help them in their daily life.
GIZ gave laptops to some of the graduates who excelled during the training so they could use them for their jobs in their different offices, and the 21 participants received diplomas upon completion of the program.