Tanzanian Blind Teacher Learns Computer

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  • Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2007 21:15:48 -0400

13WMAZ.com, Georgia USA
Thursday, October 04, 2007

Tanzanian Blind Teacher Learns Computer

By Carly Flynn Morgan 

Last Update:10/4/2007 6:53:30 PM
Web Editor: Carly Morgan

The Mwrendi School for the Blind sits at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in the 
east African country of Tanzania. But a teacher from the school who's blind 
himself, traveled to Macon to learn skills to improve the lives' of his 
students.

Rumisha Masam types letters to his students back in Tanzania, but they can't 
type letters back because they don't have typewriters. Students at The Mwrendi 
School for the Blind punch dots into Braille paper by hand, to make individual 
letters of the alphabet. The school can't afford typewriters, but thanks to 
donations, they do have a few computers.

Masam came to The Georgia Academy for the Blind in September. He came to learn 
computer skills. He's learning to type using a speaking computer program. When 
he returns to Tanzania in November, he'll teach what he learns about the 
program to the 43 blind children at his school.

"When I introduce the knowledge I get here, they will be surprised and 
thankful," he said.

Masam says job opportunities for the blind in Tanzania are rare, mostly because 
of a lack of practical skills. Right now, the kids don't know how to type at 
all, but with computer and internet skills, the students will be better 
educated and have a chance at getting a good job.

Masam feels blessed to have the computers, and soon, the skills to use them.

"They need this technology so that they can first get information, as you know 
information is power," he said.

The power to teach children at The Mwrendi School for the Blind, lessons for a 
better life. 

If you'd like to make a donation to The Mwrendi School for the Blind you can 
contact Masam's church sponsor:

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at (478) 742-4281.
The church has set up a fund especially for the school.


http://www.13wmaz.com/news/new_story.aspx?storyid=43894
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