NAIROBI, Kenya (June 20, 2024) – inABLE recently partnered with Microsoft to bring critical coding education and expose visually impaired students at the Thika School for the Blind in Kenya to diverse tech career opportunities.  

The collaboration directly addresses challenges presented by the new Kenyan curriculum, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which mandates coding instruction within the primary school curriculum. Recognizing the potential difficulties visually impaired educators might face using traditional coding platforms heavily reliant on visual elements, inABLE’s Program Manager, Antony Ndirangu, brought the issue to Microsoft’s attention. 

A picture of Mrs. Penina Mutuku, Anthony Njoroge and Microsoft staff posing for a picture inside Mrs. Penina’s office.

In response, a Microsoft team visited the Thika School for the Blind and conducted a comprehensive session with teachers. The session explored various methodologies to make coding education more accessible and approachable for visually impaired students. The session included a collaborative discussion led by Christine, a blind teacher at the school, who shared specific obstacles faced by educators without sight. This open dialogue fostered a space for brainstorming solutions and developing inclusive coding education strategies. 

This is a picture of Thika High School students, Microsoft staff, and inABLE staff smiling and posing for a picture. The students are holding gift bags.

Microsoft further expanded its outreach by conducting a career talk specifically for secondary school students (Forms 3 & 4). The session aimed to inspire and motivate students by showcasing the vast array of career paths available within the technology field, emphasizing that visual impairment does not present a barrier to success.  

To further encourage the students, the team shared a powerful audio recording featuring a successful blind woman in the tech industry. This real-life example served as a potent testament to the fact that visual impairment does not have to limit one’s ability to thrive in the ever-evolving digital world. 

A picture of the inABLE and Microsoft Staff, smiling and posting for a picture. Behind them a sign is written Thika School For the Visually Impaired, The Salvation Army.

The visit to Thika School for the Blind exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration. Through this joint effort, inABLE and Microsoft are actively breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive digital world. This initiative ensures everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and achieve success within the exciting tech industry. 

By Collins Muturi, Marketing and Communications Intern, inABLE