Three final-year students from the University of Malawi (UNIMA) have created a groundbreaking app to ease the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.
Vivian Missie, Rodrick Gedion, and Eduar Mhango’s innovative solution, dubbed “Visual Impaired Walking Stick,” leverages location sharing and obstacle sensing technology to empower users.
Team leader Vivian Missie revealed that the idea stemmed from observing the struggles of visually impaired students on campus.
“We noticed that manual walking sticks were inadequate, prompting us to develop a more effective tool,” Missie explained.
The “Visual Impaired Walking Stick” app boasts: location sharing, enabling users to track their surroundings. Obstacle sensing, vibrates to alert users of potholes or obstacles. Cost-effective, developed at a relatively low cost of K100,000. Reliability, enhances efficiency and creates an enabling environment.
Despite their achievement, the team faces financial and material constraints.
“We urge well-wishers to support our project, enabling us to refine and expand its reach,” Missie appealed.
Missie’s words encourage youths to believe in themselves, trust their potential and take the first step towards success.
In line with the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA)’s appeal, the team invites well-wishers to support initiatives enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.
For more information or to support the project, contact Vivian Missie at +265 880 76 95 32.
