Douglas Mwiti 
Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki handing a certificate to one of the graduates
Fifty-nine students have (Thursday 29 February). graduated from an innovative course that aims to empower youth with disabilities with IT skills.
The graduates completed a nine-month course at The Bridge Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, and received their certification at an event at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). The course enables them to acquire valuable IT skills, paving the way for promising careers in the tech industry.
Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki, Secretary, State Department of Labour and Skills Development, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the IT Bridge Academy in aligning the demands of the labor market with relevant skills “The Government is trying to ensure that education and training are talking to the industry so that we produce graduates who can transit into the labor market seamlessly.”
Recognizing the value of collaboration in achieving this milestone she added, “We are cognizant of the fact that the development and implementation of demand-driven education and training cannot be possible without the support of industry players.”
The Academy was created in 2021 to help bridge the gap in IT skills for people with disabilities in Kenya. It gives young jobseekers with a passion for IT the chance to train and get experience in the sector and since its launch 145 students with disabilities have been trained. Once graduated, the Academy offers a pool of talented IT professionals that employers can draw from. They are also offered six-month internships with corporate partners.
As Sylvester Marete, a graduate, shared, “This program has equipped me with valuable social and technical skills that will open up my career options.I have gained the confidence to pursue a career in IT which I will supplement with my experience in animation and graphic design.I’m excited to see what the future holds!” This sentiment echoes the program’s dedication to unlocking the potential of individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive tech landscape.
The collaborative effort involves Sightsavers, Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, NITA, United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), Safaricom, Three Talents LLC, Accenture, and CISCO, who are united by the shared goal of creating a diverse and skilled IT workforce.
Moses Chege, Country Director of Sightsavers Kenya, stated, “We are incredibly proud of our graduates and their unwavering commitment to this journey. Their success demonstrates the impact of the Bridge Academy model, and we encourage employers to recognize the immense potential of persons with disabilities.”
The Futuremakers by Standard Chartered plays a crucial role in supporting the Academy’s mission.Regina Mukiri, Regional Head, Community Engagement and Impact, Africa, and Middle East, Standard Chartered, said: “Futuremakers enables us to eliminate barriers to opportunity and empower the next generation to make meaningful contributions to the world around them and more so for youth with disabilities. Our partnership with Sightsavers and IT Bridge Academy enables us to ensure that our participants receive access to high level skills to ensure they are work-force ready upon graduation”.
This graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone for the IT Bridge Academy and its partners.With each graduating class, the program continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry, empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
