Maseru, March 11 — The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation has renewed a memorandum of understanding with the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation aimed at improving access to information for visually impaired people in Lesotho.
Speaking during the event, Access and Inclusion Coordinator Ms. Keneuoe Semphi said visually impaired people previously faced challenges in accessing information. She noted that the establishment of the Insight Centre was meant to bridge inequalities in access to information.
She explained that in 2019 the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation invested more than M2 million in the initiative to support education and information access for visually impaired people. The investment included the purchase of assistive technologies such as a braille embosser that translates printed material into braille, as well as computers equipped with specialised software that enables visually impaired users to access information.
Ms. Semphi said the project is important as it addresses the needs of vulnerable groups and empowers them to become more independent.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary at the Ministry, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, said technology can play a key role in enabling visually impaired people to access information. He noted that accessibility is among the principles outlined in the Ministry’s policy framework introduced in 2023.
He added that the Ministry’s digital transformation strategy is built on five pillars, with particular focus on digital population and digital trade. Mr. Ramashamole said some people remain left behind in accessing the internet and digital technologies, adding that the partnership with Vodacom Lesotho Foundation helps to bridge that gap.
He further said the Insight Centre provides visually impaired individuals with opportunities to access information like other members of society, while also equipping them with skills that can enable them to participate in digital businesses, software development and remote working opportunities.
The partnership between the Ministry and the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation focuses on improving digital inclusion and access to information for vulnerable people through assistive technologies and specialised training offered at the Insight Centre.
ENDS/MOM/tl
