Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) in collaboration with the Light of the world (a non-governmental organization) has launched an Employability programme targeting young Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in an effort to empower them with requisite skills set.
Through this programme, SCB is working with five universities among them Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta University (KU), United States International University-Africa (USIU), Multimedia University (MMU) and ZETECH University targeting over 4800 students.
The programme dubbed ‘Futuremakers Inclusive Employability Programme’ is funded to a tune of Kshs. 96,000,000 and focuses on empowering young people with disabilities through skills enhancement for the employability programme.
Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Mr. Kariuki Ngari said there was a growing need for employability programmes evident by how fast students turn around their careers through training and mentorship, and how much the universities were willing to learn and adapt to change.
He further said most institutions are ill-equipped to support people with disabilities and implored them to cater for the needs of the disabled in their infrastructure planning.
“There is a need to sensitize the institutions to create an inclusive culture and opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Mr. Ngari.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said JKUAT is ready to give total support and solidarity to the people of disability as it has been a critical partner in the implementation and the realization of the endeavours of the Futuremakers Inclusive Employability programme, since its inception in 2020.
“JKUAT continues to work closely with Light for the World and other partners to make deliberate efforts and actions to make the institution more inclusive, especially for students with disabilities. We continue to provide support structures and initiate support groups that act as safe spaces for students with disabilities,” said Prof. Ngumi in a speech read by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua.
CEO National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Hassan Harun said the government has called for enhanced digital incorporation for PWDs to eliminate technological barriers that prevent them from accessing services.
“The government is mapping out strategies that will help to boost digital accessibility so as to ensure technology gets to many people, especially people living with disabilities,” said Mr. Harun adding that this was through the installation of over 9000 kilometres of fibre optic cable connecting all counties and sub-county headquarters.
William Onkoba a finalist JKUAT Student pursuing Bachelors of Commerce and a beneficiary of the programme, lauded the implementers of the initiative and urged the government to invest in PWDs to accord the equal playing ground with the non-disabled in terms of gaining employment, thus guaranteeing their roles in the community.
Source: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology