The Minister of Communications Science and Technology, Mr Tšoinyane Rapapa on Thursday officiated the launch of Vodacom Foundation Insight Centre-a library for the blind and visually impaired person worth 2 million.
Giving his remarks, Mr Rapapa commended Vodacom Foundation for bringing digital literacy to ensure that the visually impaired person does not feel left out.
He noted that the government sees digital inclusion for the visually impaired as human rights issue which needs to receive special attention in the legislation, policies and guidelines.
He stressed that this noble gesture portrays the country as a caring nation, saying the quality of any nation is judged by the ability to take care of its most vulnerable.
He said the ministry is challenged and encouraged to work with the private sector and technology NGOs to promote specifically these innovations in our fairs, seminars, contest and symposia globally, regionally and locally.
“For many years, what we have known as resources for the visually impaired have been limited only to things that assist them to perform basic functions of life such as walking, cooking, washing and so on,” he said
He, therefore, acknowledged the insight centre for basing its technology on braille as that launched original invention for visually impaired persons.
He expressed gratitude to the management of Vodacom, staff and all who have made this possible, saying his ministry’s doors remain open for ideas to enable them to create socially-relevant solutions.
Also speaking, the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture said she is pleased to witness the launch of the revamped section of the State Library and Archives which has been reserved for blind and visually impaired persons.
He noted that this section does not only bear a good look but most importantly, it now provides the much-desired services tailor-made for the needs of the blind.
She further noted that the act is in line with the dictates of Article 18(4) of the African Charter and Peoples Rights of June 1981, which provides people with disabilities, a friendly environment that enables them to realise their full potential.
She commended the persons with blindness and visual impairment for bravely soldiering on and for their commitment to succeed against all odds.
On the same token, the CEO of Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, Mr. John Matlosa said it is gratifying to impact people’s lives positively, saying their mandate as Vodacom Lesotho Foundation is to give back to the community and mostly the vulnerable.
He thanked Basotho for their unwavering support, saying this would have not been a success, hence expressing hope that this insight centre will help Basotho in the long run.
Mr. Matlosa appealed to various cooperatives in the country to work hand in hand in order to give back to the community, noting that he would like all the districts to have this centre.
This is the first centre of its nature in the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.
