Latter -days Saints Supports Visually Impaired Students at EBKUST

As part of recognizing the rights and privileges of persons with disability as enshrined in Part V, Section 14 subsection 123&4 of the Persons with Disability Act of 2011 that state:

“Every person with disability shall have a right to free education in tertiary institutions accredited by the Tertiary Education Commission approved by the Ministry of Education…”, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of EBKUST, Rev. Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh, has on Friday 7th August 2020 received a donation of ICT equipment worth over $15,000 from the Church of Jesus of Latter -days Saints to support visually impaired students.

This donation was made at the University Secretariat, Magburaka Campus, Kono – High Way.

The donated items include sixteen sets of laptop computers, headphones, Sony voice recorders, laptop bags, with licensed NonVisual Desktop Access software.

Making a statement at the donation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), Rev. Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh, spoke on the significance of the event by referencing the story of a 21-year Old Stephen Hawking who later became a world-famous theoretical physicist and cosmologist. Hawking, the Vice-Chancellor went on, earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. ” The life of the character had a twist when he was later diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that gradually paralyzed him for over half a century. Despite the insurmountable challenges he encountered, he was able to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that disability is not inability “. Prof. Momoh narrated.

VC&P highlighted some of the challenges faced as an institution in addressing the educational problems and the psycho-pedagogical support for students faced with problems such as:

Learning Difficulties, Vision Problems,

Sensory Disabilities,

**Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Prof. Aiah Gbakima officially handing over the equipment to the students.**

Hearing Problems, and Mobility Problems. “These problems are eminent in all tertiary institutions especially in an inclusive class with the rest of the other students.”. Prof. Momoh said

Making a statement, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Aiah A. Gbakima, thanked the donors for providing equipment for the students and also extended his appreciation to the VC&P of EBKUST, Prof. Momoh, for taking the lead to source funds to support the visually impaired students.

He advised the beneficiaries to handle the donated equipment with care, and use them for the intended purpose.

” I encourage educational institutions, and all other sectors to create an enabling environment for students with disabilities, and emulate this mind-blowing strides displayed by EBKUST”_ the Minister noted

The Welfare and Self Reliance Manager, Kenneth Pambu of the Church of Jesus of Latter- days Saints presented the items on behalf of the church.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Prof. Aiah Gbakima officially handed over the equipment to the students.

Saffie Karen Sankoh a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Government and History, on behalf of her colleague beneficiaries expressed enthusiasm upon receiving the items. She thanked the donors and the leadership of EBKUST for such a laudable venture and promised to make good use of the donated items.

The program was graced by dignitaries from the Ministries of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs, Rural Development, the Commission on Disability, Madam Sia Fasuluku, Director of Planning Research and Development Ministry of Technical and Higher Education among others.