In a bid to empower the visually impaired people and make them more self-dependent, computer training and a job-based skill development programme were inaugurated on the premises of the Workshop for the Blind in LB Block. The occasion was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
With three computers, the classes will be held for three days in a week for the duration of two hours after lunch.
Guests at the inauguration. The Telegraph
The basic computer course is meant to help them learn the basic concepts of computer, keyboard usage, basics of Microsoft Office and more and one day is dedicated to preparation for competitive exams. This is a joint venture initiative by Workshop for the Blind and Society for the Welfare of the Blind.
“Being blind does give us a limitation in life and career but with proper education and training we can overcome this. Many of us are literate, have completed graduation but what after that? Unless they get a job and become self-dependent they would not get proper respect from society. I have overcome my weakness and want others to do so. We know 1 per cent government jobs are reserved for the visually impaired, and with proper computer skill, spoken English and communication skill they can also get jobs in the private sector. So we are giving them the platform that they can utilise to the fullest and get a better life,” said Biswajit Bose, secretary, Society for the Welfare of the Blind.
Surajit Dey, assistant commissioner of police, airport zone, delivers a speech. The Telegraph
Subodh Rajak will be taking the classes. “In 2017, I had taken the computer training programme and I am happy that I can be of some help to others. This programme is different from regular computer systems. These computers have a screen reading software that reads out the text on the screen. This helps us use the computer and type properly. Learning duration differs from person to person. The faster they can get used to this software the quicker they can learn computers,” he said.
Sabyasachi Dutta, chairman, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, and deputy mayor Anita Mondal were also present at the event .
“We have other programmes going on here but now with this joint venture we have introduced the computer training programme. It will help them be independent and get a better life. Initially, this is a six-month programme, but we can also extend that. The main problem we have is of funding. Here we do not have a residential facility. Our students come from far locations and we also have been getting requests from north Bengal but we cannot provide them with residential facilities. Hopefully we can get this facility ready soon,” said Tapas Sengupta, treasurer, Workshop for the Blind.