Limkokwing University and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) are working together on introducing new ICT solutions that will widen the delivery of skills-based education to the most marginalised communities in Botswana, including people with disabilities.

This collaboration can be seen as a natural progression since Limkokwing Botswana has long championed inclusivity on campus, with over 140 students with disabilities graduating in Gaborone since 2011 under the facilitation of the Special Needs Department.

The graduates were from Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe and had studied in the field of Interior Design, Creative Multimedia, Broadcasting Radio & Television, Retail Marketing Management, Hospitality & Tourism Management, and Graphic Design.

Under a collaboration formalised in Moscow in February this year, the University and the Limkokwing Foundation for People with Disabilities will work with UNESCO IITE on research as well as piloting advanced technologies including interactive tools, online tools, and assistive technologies to enhance teaching, learning and social inclusion.

“We are doing this to enable more people with disabilities to become active knowledge constructors and global citizens who participate fully in all aspects of society,” said Dato’ Gail Phung, Senior Vice-President for Corporate Development, Limkokwing University.

On 21 May 2019, Natalia Amelina, who heads the Unit of Teacher’s Professional Development and Networking at UNESCO IITE, toured Limkokwing University in Cyberjaya, as part of a three-day working visit to Malaysia.

She said the collaboration with Limkokwing University was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 4 for Quality Education.

“We hope the outcome of this collaboration will help boost equal access to all levels of education and vocational training,” she said on a three-day working visit to Malaysia.

The collaboration will also include an exciting new project called the “ICT for University Accessibility Network” which is aimed at social and educational inclusion of students with disabilities.

About Limkokwing Foundation for People with Disabilities

The Limkokwing Foundation for People with Disabilities is on a mission to provide greater access to tertiary education and vocational training for individuals living with impairments, equipping them with the ability to harness their talent in pursuit of realising their true potential.

It was set up by Limkokwing University Founder President, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing, a global philanthropist who has dedicated the past 50 years of his life to help lift up those in need.

The Foundation was established with the vision to create a more inclusive future for all mankind, based on the belief that inclusivity powers innovation and every human being can contribute value to society if given the opportunity to participate.

“Inclusivity brings about unique perspectives and fresh ideas. When everyone is included in the conversation, it gives us a better chance of finding solutions for the global problems we face today. The more inclusive we are, the more innovative we will be,” said Tan Sri Limkokwing.

The spirit of inclusivity in education has been in practice since the inception of the University in 1991.

Unlike any other institution, at Limkokwing University, students with disabilities learn together with other students in the very same classrooms, lecture halls and laboratories.

This fully immersive experience, where there are no boundaries of politics, race, religion or impairments, helps Limkokwing students with disabilities graduate into confident and highly capable young leaders of tomorrow.

Able-bodied students also benefit from this inclusivity as they learn compassion and gain better understanding of the challenges faced by people living with impairments. This holistic university experience is unique to all Limkokwing students, preparing them for their career and life journey ahead.

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