Case Study: Enhancing Employability Skills for Persons with Disabilities – Mr. Molel’s Journey
Mr. Molel, a visually impaired individual with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, was one of the participants in a four-day employability skills training program. This program was facilitated by the Youth With Disabilities Organization (YoWDO) and Sightsavers, with support from Standard Chartered Bank in Tanzania, as part of the Accenture program. The training aimed to empower persons with disabilities with essential skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Persons with disabilities often face significant barriers in accessing training, employment opportunities, and digital tools that could enhance their professional capabilities. With the job market becoming more competitive, the need for employability skills, including digital literacy, is increasingly critical. For individuals like Mr. Molel, who have visual impairments, overcoming these barriers requires targeted support and resources.
Having undertaken about 24 course modules focused on career planning, digital literacy, job application techniques, CV building, and interview preparation. The program, exposed Mr. Molel to engage with digital platforms and gain skills crucial for modern workplaces.
Mr. Molel expressed satisfaction with the training, noting that it equipped him with essential skills and significantly broadened his perspective on career planning. “This four-day training has equipped me with the essential skills for getting employment,” he stated.
Additionally, the training emphasized digital technology. Mr. Molel shared, “This training was fully online, so you can see how digital technology is taking its pace, and I have to cope with it.” The program motivated him to further his digital skills, giving him confidence in navigating computer applications. “I expect to be a different person after attending the training, as I am now aware of how to apply for jobs with a competent CV and attend interviews confidently,” he added.
Inspired by the training, Mr. Molel is now an advocate for more inclusive training opportunities for persons with disabilities. He encourages others with disabilities to attend similar programs, stressing that disability should not be viewed as a limitation but as a factor requiring customized support. He also called on employers to embrace inclusivity in the workplace, stating, “Being a person with disabilities doesn’t mean failure; it requires a customized approach and appropriate support.”
Mr. Molel’s journey demonstrates the positive impact that tailored employability training can have on persons with disabilities. By equipping individuals like him with the skills to compete in the job market, the program is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive workforce in Tanzania. His story highlights the importance of such initiatives in empowering persons with disabilities, building their confidence and promoting an inclusive society.
