The Blind Tech Empowerment Initiative (BTEI), a newly registered non-governmental organization (NGO), has been officially launched in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in efforts to empower visually impaired individuals through technology and training.
Registered with the Corporate
Affairs Commission (CAC) under number 7491217, BTEI aims to tackle the
challenges faced by an estimated 4.5 million visually impaired people across
the country.
At the unveiling event, Founder
and Executive Director, Ukaogo Nwabueze Williams, expressed gratitude to the
initiative’s supporters, noting that the launch was the result of three years
of careful planning and dedication. “Today, we are not just launching an
initiative; we are birthing a vision—one that has been nurtured over the last
three years and one that will continue to grow and impact countless lives in
the years to come,” Williams said.
Since its inception in January
2021, BTEI has focused on providing vital technological support to blind and
visually impaired individuals, helping them navigate daily challenges through
assistive technologies. The initiative has already made strides by offering
real-time support through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook,
while online training sessions have equipped participants with essential
digital skills.
One of BTEI’s key achievements
has been its use of YouTube as an educational platform, where visually impaired
users can access tutorials, instructional videos, and success stories from
individuals who have benefitted from assistive technologies. This online
resource has become an invaluable tool for many, and Williams emphasized the
importance of continuing to build a strong, connected community for blind
individuals to share their experiences and support each other.
Addressing the profound
obstacles faced by Nigeria’s visually impaired population, Mr. Williams said,
BTEI will focus on increasing access to technologies such as screen readers,
Braille displays, and smartphone applications tailored to their needs. In
addition to technological empowerment, the initiative advocates for inclusion,
raising awareness of the rights and needs of the blind in educational and
professional settings.
“Looking ahead, BTEI has
ambitious plans to expand its outreach. The organisation intends to roll out
regular online workshops designed to accommodate various skill levels and
further enhance digital literacy among participants. A comprehensive online
platform is also being developed to serve as a hub for educational resources
and community engagement. In addition, the initiative seeks to establish
partnerships with technology firms, educational institutions, and other NGOs to
create adaptive solutions for the blind and visually impaired community,” he
said.
He stated further that beyond
its technological focus, BTEI is making an impact in education by providing
monthly stipends to blind students in secondary schools, alleviating some of
their financial burdens and enabling them to focus on their studies. Williams
emphasized that this support is integral to the initiative’s vision of creating
a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive regardless of their visual
abilities.
Mr. Williams called on individuals, organisations,
and the public to join in supporting BTEI’s vital cause, stressing that through
collective effort, the initiative aims to empower Nigeria’s blind community,
transforming lives and contributing to a more inclusive future.
For more information or to
engage with the Blind Tech Empowerment Initiative, the following contact
channels are available: Email: [email protected]: +2347030081960/
+2348069295532
Updates, resources, and
opportunities to support efforts in empowering the visually impaired can be
found on the official platforms.
God bless you richly.
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