By Julian Ndombi

On March 3, USIU-Africa, in partnership with the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) launched a program dubbed Project Digibility, a digital marketing program designed to equip students with disabilities with cutting-edge digital skills. Spearheaded by the Placement and Career Services in conjunction with Disability and Inclusion office, the program aims to create a more inclusive workforce, enrich the talent pool, facilitate inclusive services through tailored support by helping underrepresented groups and providing networking opportunities with employers who embrace inclusion.

The main objective of the program is to redefine inclusivity in the workplace by bridging the gap between the demand and supply of talents of persons living with disabilities. Through this program, students will not only have the opportunity to earn an internship at EABL and apply the learned skills in real digital led world but will also be able to foster collaborative projects through the industry connections established during the event.

The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Student life, Dr. Victor Boiyo, East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) Managing Director, Mr. Mark Ocitti, Ms. Jaqueline Wanyama – EABL Group HR Director and Ms. Annette Ngugi- Human Resources Director from Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL).

EABL will facilitate the training with experts in the industry, in addition they will assign projects to students geared to digital skills that will provide an opportunity for students to display various talents. During the discussion, it was noted that through the partnership, EABL will not only equip students with the necessary knowledge but also help in creating a more inclusive workforce by addressing the barriers that persons with disabilities often face in accessing professional training. In line with their mission of creating the most inclusive and diverse environment, the EABL Managing Director confirmed that he will ensure that Sustainability Department at the EABL collaborates with the university in supporting students with Disability to equip them with the required skills to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of talents of persons with disabilities and the industry.

Out of the 117 students with disabilities recorded in the University, the training registered a total of 28 students with disability who will be onboarded in the first cohort. Scheduled to start on March 7, this one-month course consists of eight sessions, each lasting for two hours, focusing on the fundamentals of digital marketing thereafter a hands-on project where students will apply the theoretical lessons in to practical project and be able to present to the panelist. The graduation is scheduled to take place on May 16.

As the program unfolds, it promises to inspire hope, unlock potential, and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future. It is not just about accommodating differences; it's about embracing diversity and creating an environment where every student feels valued and empowered.