Staff Reporter
THE Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) recently handed over information technology (IT) equipment to local organizations for persons with disabilities (OPDs) in Windhoek.
The donated equipment included desktop computers, monitors, and tablets designed to enable effective data digitisation, storage, and advocacy.
“The handing over of IT equipment to OPDs signifies a vital step toward realizing sustainable and inclusive development, aligning with GIZ’s commitment to fostering positive change through innovation and partnership,” GIZ said.
According to the agency, the donated IT equipment will play a pivotal role in streamlining data collection, marking the final activities of the GIZ Disability Data Collection Project. This project, which started in 2021 and is scheduled for completion this year, aimed to gather data to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, GIZ emphasised that the project is of utmost importance due to the indispensable role that accurate and current disability data plays in shaping well-informed policies and effective advocacy. This sentiment was reaffirmed by Rachel Shiweda, a technical adviser from GIZ, who also emphasised that the collected data has significant transformative potential.
“The data being collected can be used by our policymakers for better policies and also by OPDs to advocate better for their needs and services for their members,” Shiweda said.
Citing an assessment conducted by Green Enterprise Solutions and Disability Expert Consultant Ebenhard Ripunda, GIZ pointed out that there are critical gaps in IT infrastructure among OPDs. The agency revealed that this inspired their partnership with OPDs, with the intention to bridge these gaps and improve data collection capabilities.
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