The UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding has urged stakeholders to address challenges faced by marginalised deaf youths in Nigeria by providing them with essential digital skills to enable them to compete in society.
The institute lamented that despite their immense potential, marginalised deaf youths in Nigeria continue to face significant systemic barriers that hinder their access to education, economic opportunities, and social inclusion.
Director of the institute, Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, disclosed this during an empowerment programme organised for deaf youths at the Wesley School for the Deaf, Surulere, Lagos with the theme; “Empowering Deaf Youth with Digital Skills.”
Okebukola, who was represented by Dr Olasunkanmi Gbeleyi, noted that the programme seeks to address the systemic barriers faced by marginalised deaf youths by providing them with essential digital skills while celebrating African arts and crafts.
He stressed that the initiave will encourage creativity, self-reliance, and access to global markets among the deaf youths.
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Okebukola said: “The initiative is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between marginalised deaf youths and their hearing counterparts. By providing digital skills and promoting social inclusion, the programme seeks to empower deaf youths to take control of their futures and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
“By integrating traditional artistry with modern technology, the initiative encourages creativity, self-reliance, and access to global markets.”
Participants at the event gained practical experience in creating and promoting crafts, enabling them to showcase their cultural heritage both locally and internationally.
The director, however, noted that beyond skill acquisition, the programme will enable the participants break down communication and economic barriers.
He added that the programme serves as a social catalyst for building confidence and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse society committed to sustainable development.
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