Free computer education for the challenged in Pune…..Bhagyashree Kulthe
People with disabilities can now get computer education for free under one roof. The National Association for the Welfare of Physically Challenged (NAWPC) and the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Snehankit, achieved yet another milestone with the inauguration of their computer training centre that caters to all physically challenged.
Located in Annabhau Sathe Vidyalaya on Kumthekar Road and inaugurated on Sunday, it is an example of what can be achieved when social and corporate sectors join hands. KPIT Cummins Infotech Systems Ltd and the Rotary Clubs of Pune City Sports, Kalyaninagar and Laxmi Road, have supported the effort.
The centre has special trainers for people with different disabilities. The NAWPC and Snehankit already run a computer training centre for the visually challenged, a recreational centre for the disabled and a digital library for the blind.
President of NAWPC and Snehankit, Rahul Deshmukh (33) said, We have used software that makes it easy for these students to grasp computer knowledge. They find it difficult to get training at other computer classes in the city and so lag behind others in education and career.
Deshmukh is visually challenged andknown for his service to the disabled. He has done his MPhil in computer education for the blind. He is concerned about the physically challenged from economically weaker sections, who cannot afford education. The training is free for the students. We are depending on donors for running the centre. KPIT Cummins and the Rotary Clubs have generously supported the centre. The NGO runs without permanent sources of funds and is run by volunteers, said Deshmukh. The training centre has educated more than 500 people since 2003.
These people are now working in various sectors in good positions. I had to go through many hardships as a student, so I resolved to make life easier for others like me, said Deshmukh.
Girish Vardhadkar from KPIT Cummins and Rotary Club members Brijmohan Shethi, Nitin Joshi, Jignyasu Mehta and Shripad Kaduskar were present at the inauguration. Rotary Club member Dharmaraj Kheni donated Rs1 lakh to the association, which has announced scholarships for the physically challenged.
(For more information and a helping hand contact Deshmukh on 9822595757).