Digital Literacy Workshop at GHSS Handwara

Murtaza Mushtaq

Srinagar: In a remarkable initiative, Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS) Bemina, in collaboration with Enabled India Bangalore and the Inclusive Education Wing of the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kupwara, orchestrated a pioneering Digital Literacy Workshop titled “Reading Without Seeing” at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Handwara. This event, tailored for Visually Impaired Children with Special Needs (CWSN), sought to illuminate pathways to digital empowerment.

The workshop commenced under the auspices of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Dy. CEO) Handwara, with the venerable presence of in-charge Principal Mr. Reyaz Ahmad Kirmani, District Coordinator Inclusive Education Mr. Javaid Wani, Zonal nodal Officer Mawer Mr. Jawaid Iqbal Bhat, Dno Javeed Abdullah khan and other dignitaries, including representatives from Enabled India Bangalore and VMS Bemina. The gathering was further graced by parents, teachers, and an enthusiastic cohort of visually impaired students.

Central to the program was the dissemination of knowledge regarding skill-based courses and digital literacy, offering Visually Impaired CWSN and disadvantaged students a chance to pursue free computer diplomas through VMS J&K Bemina. The event featured stirring testimonies from distinguished speakers such as Sheikh Sameer of Enabled India Bangalore and Mr. Haneef from VMS, both of whom have surmounted the trials of total visual impairment to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Their narratives served as powerful testaments to resilience, inspiring students and parents alike to embrace assistive technologies and confront challenges head-on.

The palpable enthusiasm among CWSN attendees underscored the transformative impact of the workshop. The Dy. CEO Kupwara and Principal Mr. Kirmani underscored the imperative of broadening the workshop’s reach to ensure that all eligible students within the district are apprised of such life-altering opportunities.

Coordinator VMS Bemina, Mr. Ashiq Hussain, pledged unwavering support in furthering the educational and personal development of specially-abled children. He emphasized the ysociety’s commitment to sustaining such initiatives, which serve as catalysts for holistic upliftment.

Concluding the event, District Coordinator Inclusive Education Mr. Javaid Wani expressed profound gratitude to VMS Bemina for its invaluable contribution. He highlighted the significance of these programs in motivating CWSN students to persevere alongside their peers and strive for societal contribution. A special acknowledgment was extended to in-charge Principal Mr. Kirmani for his unwavering support, meticulous arrangements, and steadfast presence throughout the day.

This workshop not only ignited aspirations but also reinforced the conviction that with the right support and resources, every child can overcome adversities and achieve excellence.