12 Jul 2016

Three students with visual impairment were awarded laptops equipped with JAWS software during the 7^th Annual Botswana Examination Council (BEC) Excellence Awards held in Gaborone recently.

A press release from Orange Botswana states that they were awarded under the Special Needs category sponsored by the Orange Foundation.

The three students are Tsaone Mosweu and Teedzani Mokhege from Molefi senior school and Linchwe II JSS in Mochudi respectively as well as Kentse Gareitsane from Phatlhogo primary School in Francistown.

The Orange Foundation explains that JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is an internationally recognised and widely used screen reader computer software that provides speech and Braille output through laptops and PCs.

“With such software people who are blind or visually impaired can learn through voice that is converted from basic text by the software,” it states.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Teedzani ,recipient of the Special Needs award for Best JC results amongst the visually impaired said his drive to do better with his life is what pushed him to work hard during his exams.

“I am very happy that all the hard work finally paid off, it gives me great joy to be amongst one of the shining stars today,” he says.

The release further notes that Simon Musekiwa, Keneilwe Makobo and Jeniffer Radipitse all with hearing impairment received Pixie 8 tablet each.

In addition to the gadgets, all 6 winners also received sim cards, P100 airtime and Orange branded goodies on the day. ENDS