The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Teaching the teacher

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Tuesday, Jun 03, 2008
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Teaching the teacher

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: IBM is conducting a Corporate Social Responsibility programme (CSR) called “Teach the Teacher”, which trains visually-challenged people in computers so that they can, in turn, disseminate the knowledge to others like them. The programme, first established in 2007, began here on May 12.

It is run by EnAble India, a charitable trust founded in 1999, while IBM provides the necessary infrastructure. Prathima V. Shetty, India Diversity Lead, IBM India, explained: “We have 16 trainees this year. They are taught the right techniques to teach differently-abled people.”

Representative

During the three-week programme, the trainees, who are from various parts of the country, will learn computer skills such as software, hardware and the use of Microsoft Windows. “The focus is more on effectiveness than on quantity. We want to give all of them the individual attention that they need to become good teachers. They will then be able to go back to their respective towns and teach other visually-challenged people,” she said.

The programme is described by the company as a “creation of a pipeline for employable people with disabilities,” which will provide job possibilities for the visually-challenged. “We want to give equal opportunities to all people without any discrimination,” said Ms. Shetty.

According to the 2001 Census, the country has 2.19 crore differently-abled people. But, while 49 per cent of this population is literate and is able to work, only 34 per cent are presently employed.

IBM has also implemented other programmes for differently-abled people. such as information technology camps for children in order to make them aware of technologies available. The company also has a recruitment programme for such people and offers specific infrastructures based on their needs. The company hired its first differently-abled person in 1914, recalls Ms. Shetty. IBM requires its buildings to be installed with lifts, large spaces for wheelchairs and specific tools and software adapted to their needs.

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