TechHerNG, an organisation leveraging technology to drive social change through digital literacy, safety, and advocacy, has partnered with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) to conduct a comprehensive Digital Skills workshop for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). These workshops completed across a month marked a significant step towards building inclusive communities and equipping individuals with essential digital skills.
Grace Jerry, IFA Executive Director, highlighted the programme’s importance in her welcome remarks, noting its core design to provide PWDs with digital competencies for better livelihoods.
Emphasising this goal, she pointed out that the training addresses a crucial need identified by research: many PWDs lack the necessary digital skills for optimal workplace performance. The workshop was split into two cohorts, with 50 participants invited to participate in both phases each.
“The aim is to equip participants with digital marketing skills, enabling them to market their products effectively and compete equally with their non-disabled peers,” Jerry explained. “That’s why the training includes Microsoft skills, presentation techniques, and other competencies essential for full workplace participation, thus eliminating inactivity and improving financial outcomes.”
Peter Akinnusi, Head of Programmes at TechHerNG and one of the facilitators at the workshop, expressed confidence in the programme’s value for participants. He stressed the vital role of digital skills in today’s interconnected world and the importance of fostering inclusivity through such initiatives.
“These workshops offer PWDs a platform to acquire crucial digital skills, including digital marketing, copywriting, and proficiency with widely used platforms such as Microsoft and Google Workspace. By imparting these skills, we’re keen to imbue participants with the ability to thrive and succeed in the digital economy,” Akinnusi stated. He further emphasised, “It is essential that our drive to increase digital capacity extends to every member of society, ensuring no one is left behind in our rapidly advancing technological landscape.”
Ugochi Ihe, a Digital Literacy Associate at TechHerNG and another workshop facilitator, highlighted the importance of accessibility in bridging the technology divide for PWDs.“Ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities is not only a matter of inclusivity but also a crucial step in bridging the technology gap,” she stated. “By providing accessible digital tools and resources, we empower individuals with disabilities to participate in the digital world fully, thus promoting equality and opportunities for all,” she highlighted.
In her final remark, Ms Jerry thanked the TechHer team for facilitating the training and designing the modules to help participants easily comprehend. She expressed her positive enthusiasm for the future of the training as a means to help them thrive.
