In an effort to help increase vocational skills, access to education and life skills in previously disadvantaged communities, MTN, through its MTN SA Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Social Development donated a special needs computer laboratory to the Itsoseng Handicradft Centre today.
The centre, which is located in Itsoseng Township is the only one of its kind in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality that caters for persons with disabilities. The centre offers services like sheltered employment, vocational training and social rehabilitation.
MTN SA Foundation, General Manager, Kusile Mtunzi-Hairwadzi says: “MTN SA Foundation believes that the centre is the perfect place to fulfil MTN’s mandate of connecting South African communities for greater self-reliance. The computer laboratory provides for the predominant special needs with specific and adapted equipment such as a Braille printer and stapler, Braille Translator software and software to improve numeracy skills.”
The 20 seater computer laboratory has been fitted with computers that all have software programmes tailor made for people with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, cognitive and learning disabilities.
Mtunzi-Hairwadzi says: “We believe in an integrated approach that places strong emphases on holistic community development and this centre and its programme does that in a sustainable way.”
“Through our support we have focused on continuous education through fully equipped, connected and serviced computer laboratories that provide the learners and community members with access to world-wide information that assists their education process and their skills development,” she says.
The computer laboratory is an addition to the centre as it a seamless fit to the services that are already offered by the centre. These services include, vocational training (welding), educational (AET) services, life skills, advocacy and awareness training and psycho-social support.
