The Eastern Cape Department of Education held a five-day computer training workshop for visually impaired educators from Efata, Khanyisa and Zamakhuhle at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute in East London recently.

Clare Hubbard, an Occupational Therapist from the Inclusive Education Directorate said; “The need for this specific training was identified as part of the Directorates' 3-year strategy, (started in 2021) to improve the teaching methodology of all staff in our three Special Schools for Visually Impaired."

Clare Hubbard ended off by saying, “This training is a momentous step in affording blind and partially sighted educators the same opportunity to learn computer skills as sighted educators."

Gerhard Erasmus from a company called Edit, is giving the training on Edit Micro Systems, which includes Dolphin Supanova screen magnification and screen reading. 

"For over 30 years, it has been our vision to unskill people of all abilities so that they can live a life of dignity, self-worth and happiness. 

We aim to promote inclusivity, independence, and employment to make a meaningful contribution towards a better South Africa."

Dr Glynis Pieterse CES Inclusive Education Policy and Practice says, “Being computer literate is a non-negotiable in today's world." 

Our Directorate worked closely with Human Resources Department to provide this training with a Specialist Service Provider. Pieterse went on to say that the Departments aim is for all blind learners to write exams on a laptop in 3 years’ time, we also aim to integrate more blind learners in mainstream schools.

For this training Pieterse has encouraged all attendees to go back to their schools and teach others in light of "each one teaches one."

A Teacher Aide at Efata, Vuyo Tyole, who is taking part in the training says; This is the best and most relevant training I have attended.

I am trying my level best to learn as much as I can, I am a person that enjoys learning new things and I am excited to share my knowledge with others when I get back to school.