Light at the end of the tunnel for the disabled

For 13 years, Action for Blind and Disabled Children has nurtured many blind and physically disabled students by helping them achieve their goals through education.

Action is a non-government organisation (NGO) situated in Roodepoort CBD which provides free tuition and a comfortable working environment for those who have disabilities.

“There are not many job opportunities for the disabled and we try to create an environment for them where they can be comfortable so that they perform to their best ability,” said operations manager and lecturer, Shaun Soko.

One of the learners, Nomagugu Bulose, said nobody should allow their disabilities to stand in their way of obtaining internationally recognised qualifications.

The Microsoft Digital Learning class features Office, Outlook, Excel, etc.

However, the digital part of learning is not all that is being taught at Action.

Information Technology (IT) training as well and craft making is taught to students who prefer working on either the technical or creative side.

“We try to provide as much students with employment as possible after completing the course and should they not receive employment through Action, they are able to make crafts and sell them for their own benefit,” said Barry Basch from the organisation.

“People who have with disabilities should not be marginalised and at Action, we see how happy they are just by being here and meeting friends,” Barry said.

He added that many Action graduates earned permanent employment at financial companies and other well-known companies.

One of the lecturers, Aiden Gamble, used to be a student at Action and according to both Shaun and Barry, has flourished into a brilliant teacher.

Action is open to all students who have disabilities and they can enrol anytime during the year.

Because the NGO depends solely on help from the community, they need donations to keep the organisation going. Whoever can help them may contact Barry on 011-760-2454.

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