Computers for visually impaired learners

The learners at the School for the Visually Impaired are overjoyed with the seventeen new computers they received from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) this week. The computers come with audio equipment and specialised apps to make it easier for the learners to see on the screens, or to communicate with the computer through sound.
The school, located in Windhoek’s Khomasdal suburb, operates an IT laboratory for its partially and fully blind learners to equip them with essential computer skills. The lab had 15 old computers which did not meet the hardware specifications to run the special software packages.
CRAN’s donation to the School includes the replacing of the obsolete computers in the laboratory with 17 brand new computers. In addition, CRAN also paid for the renewal of all the expired software licences and for the upgrades.
Officiating at the event, CRAN chief executive officer, Mr. Festus K. Mbandeka said: “the donation is in line with our corporate social investment policy, which aims to give back to the community in which CRAN operates”. He added that CRAN believes that ICT plays a pivotal role in creating a knowledge-based economy and enhancing socio-economic development in Namibia for all.
Mbandeka stated that through CRAN’s mandate and CSI policy, CRAN is at the forefront of creating and implementing a framework, which will ensure that all Namibians enjoy the full socio-economic benefits of ICTs.
At the core of every knowledge-based economy is a population which is technology savvy. This is the reason why CRAN believes that the donation made today will go a long way in equipping the current and future learners of the school with practical skills on “how to fish” for themselves in the ICT world.
“We implore the learners and teachers to fully utilise the equipment to remain relevant and updated with what is happening in the world” said Mbandeka.