The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Smart City opens vocational training centre for visually challenged

The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Smart City, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Dubai Downtown, has inaugurated the i-SMART Vocational Training Centre for visually challenged persons at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) campus in Uppilipalayam under a Rotary Foundation Global Grant project.
The centre was inaugurated by Singanallur MLA K. S. Sri Giri Prasath in the presence of Rotary District 3206 Governor Chella K. Raghavendran, Project Chair Manish Vyas, Project Co-Chair and Assistant Governor Dr. Rohini Sharma, Project Coordinator and Club President Murtuza Raja, National Federation of the Blind Director (Southern India Projects) P. Manoharan and NFB Coimbatore Centre Coordinator Sadasivam S.
The centre currently provides vocational and employment-oriented training to 25 visually challenged students in computer applications, digital literacy, financial management, workplace readiness and professional development. The Global Grant project has been implemented at a cost of 76,000 US dollars.
As part of the initiative, employment has also been provided to 10 visually challenged faculty and staff members who will serve as trainers and mentors. Residential accommodation has been arranged by the National Federation of the Blind, while meals are being provided through the Rotary Club’s Project Roti Bank. The club has also supplied cots and essential bedding for the trainees. Rotary leaders said the project aims to bridge the digital divide by providing accessible technology and industry-relevant skills, enabling visually challenged persons to secure meaningful employment, achieve financial independence and lead dignified lives through sustainable livelihood opportunities.