In a groundbreaking initiative, 23-year-old software developer Staff Nyoni has invented the Blind Classroom, an innovative assisting learning technology designed specifically for visually impaired learners.
Inspired by a personal experience with a partially visually impaired child in his community, Nyoni recognised the dire need for accessible education, with only 22,000 visually impaired learners enrolled in school out of an estimated 800,000 in Malawi, the Blind Classroom aims at bridging this gap.
“I am passionate about using technology to solve problems and improve access to education, especially for underrepresented communities,” said Nyoni.
Supported by Save the Children Malawi and the Muuni Fund, the project has successfully deployed its system in two schools,Chilanga School for the Blind in Kasungu and St. Joseph Resource Centre in Dedza, todate, 67 visually impaired learners have benefited from the technology.
“The Blind Classroom system has been a game-changer for our students, has enhanced their learning experience and provided equal access to education,” said Pemphero Blessings a teacher from Chilanga school for the blind in Kasungu.
With the team of 3 members, Nyoni’s vision extends beyond Malawi, as he plans to establish a company to further develop and scale the Blind Classroom, targeting 14 schools for the blind across the country and exploring business models leveraging Starlink Internet.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,we are committed to ensuring inclusive education for all, regardless of visual ability,” added Nyoni.
Elizabeth Zundeni a student st Joseph Resource center in Dedza has expressed her gratitude for blind classroom initiative.
“The coming of audio book, am grateful for it, for it has helped me learn independently and confidently, I can now understand effortlessly, thanks to the interactive lessons,” said Elizabeth.
