It is a sad reality that, in the highly technological age in which we are living, people living with disabilities are not fully exposed to employment opportunities in the information technology (IT) sector.
It is for this reason that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality saw it fit to invite learners from Ezibeleni School for the Physically Disabled, in Katlehong, to an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Career Guidance Workshop, in the Boksburg Civic Centre, recently.
According to Archie Futshane, a manager in the metro’s ICT department, the workshop was initiated to demonstrate to the learners how the ICT sector is inclusive of people living with disabilities.
“Today is about exposing the learners to IT, showing them that there is room for them and that only the sky is the limit,” said Futshane.
The learners were educated about the role of ICT in South Africa and worldwide, skills gaps and career and entrepreneurship opportunities in the sector.
The activities of the day also included a motivational talk by Thandi Ngema, who encouraged the learners to look around their communications and see what positive contributions they can make.
“The world does not owe you anything, you have been created to fulfil a purpose, so take charge and make a difference,” said Ngema.
ICT career and training service providers were present to recruit learners who have an interest in pursuing a career in ICT.
The day was hosted as a 67 minutes for Mandela initiative.
Madiba was known to have had a special place in his heart for children and is quoted to have once said: “Disabled children are equally entitled to an exciting and brilliant future.”
Agnes Ngubane, principal of Ezibeleni School, said she is grateful to the municipality for this opportunity and hopes to see the relationship formed continue in the years to come.
“We want to see our learners become educated and be employable,” she added.
“Most of them are from homes where they are hidden and are thus not exposed to the world out there.
“Such opportunities are foreign to them and that is why we are truly grateful for this opportunity.”
