From 13 to 24 November 2023, the Ghana Investment Funds for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) conducted its first train-the-trainer programme on the “Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired” (ICBVI), with the support of ITU and ST Foundation, a partner of the DTC Initiative. A cooperation agreement was recently signed between the two organizations to extend the course offerings under the DTCI by incorporating ST Foundation’s training content and materials on digital skills, including the ICBVI course. This programme was designed as a first-step course to bring the digital world closer to persons with visual impairment and was developed considering different training delivery approaches, scenarios, and modalities.
In Ghana, the training was conducted at the University of Ghana Assistive Technology Laboratory and brought together 20 (five female) trainers – 10 visually impaired and 10 sighted to provide training on how to ensure quality learning outcomes for persons with visual impairments and to strengthen the project’s engagement and service delivery to persons with disabilities. The ToT employed a creative approach to ensure sighted trainers experienced the training as their visually impaired counterparts. As part of GIFEC's commitment to improve training delivery for persons with disabilities, another ToT on ICBVI will take place in 2024 to expand the number of trainers who can effectively deliver this course. In early 2024, GIFEC will also be organizing an ICBVI training to reach 50 visually impaired persons.
This activity was implemented as part of the Project “Boosting Digital Skills through Digital Transformation Centres”, funded by ITU and the Government of Norway.