In a remarkable display of compassion and commitment to making the lives of visually impaired people better, New Horizons Nigeria has taken a bold step towards transforming the lives of over 100 visually impaired students at the Federal Nigerian society for the blind, Oshodi, Lagos.
Through a well-thought-out initiative, three-prong strategies, the company has adopted the school and equipped it with high-performance computers.
Besides this, Tim Akano, the MD of New Horizons, has personally adopted two visually impaired students as his children; Olayinka and Mr. Philips Hassan.
While Olayinka has been under New Horizons ICT training for one year in preparation for her to resume the role of ICT teacher at the school, she was earlier given a permanent life-employment at New Horizons.
Mr. Philips Oluwole Hassan on the other hand, a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) instructor at the school, has been awarded an overseas scholarship, there by equipping him with international exposure and skills that will further benefit the students upon his return.
He will enjoy grants from the MD of New Horizons under his Tim Akano Foundation to study in an Australia university.
New Horizons has also provided Internet connectivity in the school to ensure the students are empowered with 21st-century ICT skills.
The project, carried out under New Horizons corporate social responsibility program, is aimed at giving the visually impaired the opportunity to live meaningful and financially independent lives, rather than resorting to begging for survival.
All the 100 visually impaired students in the school will enjoy 100% scholarships to learn skills like Microsoft Office Productivity, Data science, Web Development and Software Development among others.
Upon graduation, the students will be able to do certain ICT tasks effectively despite their disabilities because there is ability in disability.
This humanitarian gesture outlines New Horizons’ philosophy of extending opportunities to the less privileged and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
Leading this noble cause is the Managing Director of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, who personally donated the computers and advised the students not to allow their disability to become a permanent stumbling blocks for their progress in life.
Mr Akano appealed to members of the public that what the visually impaired students need is not pity but empowerment to equip them with good skills so that they can contribute meaningfully to society development.
In furtherance of his commitment, Mr. Akano pledged to make philanthropic giving a tradition by annually dedicating his birthday to supporting the school and providing continuous technical assistance for both staff and students.
This shows his passion for education and also his vision of building inclusive platforms where every individual can thrive, regardless of physical limitations.
With this groundbreaking intervention, New Horizons has once again reaffirmed its position as a trailblazer in ICT education and a shining example of how private sector players can make tangible differences in the lives of marginalized groups.
In her response, the Principal of the School, Mrs Kayode Ajala thanked New Horizons and the MD for this gesture and prayed for the continuous success of the company and her CEO.
She appreciated the transfer of Olayinka to the school as a permanent teacher while New Horizons placed her on a lifetime payroll.
