Eshraqa donates hi-tech Braille Sense machines

MUSCAT: Eshraqa, the Social Development Arm of Khimji Ramdas, donated 10 hi-tech, innovative Braille Sense machines to the Omar Bin Khattab Institute for the Blind, helping the institution’s visually impaired students achieve better learning outcomes with advanced Braille technology.

The donation took place in the exhibition organised by the institute in celebration of the International White Cane Day. The event witnessed the launch of Eshraqa’s song that was sung by Noor Alamri Almunus from Oman Bin Al-Khattab Institute for the Blind.

The video can be watched on Eshraqa’s various social media channels, which became a viral hit and you can watch it in full on YouTube Eshraqa channel and on Eshraqa’s website.

Nailesh Khimji, director of Khimji Ramdas said: “I am amazed to see such a beautiful institution with a sprawling campus and no dearth of learning tools. We owe great thanks to His Majesty for creating such an advanced and wellequipped education institution for the visually impaired. Eshraqa is more than happy to support such a noble cause and be part of this progressive change in the institution’s switchover to modern technology that will undoubtedly improve learning outcomes and help the visually impaired.”

Commenting on the event, Mohamed Ben Rashid Al Hadidi, adviser at the Ministry of Education said: “The new advanced Braille Sense machines will help facilitate greater integration of Oman’s visually impaired into mainstream society and the electronic world of social media. This is a great example of how private sector contributions can develop the education sector. We, therefore, encourage corporates to be part of this noble cause and play their part in building a brighter future for today’s youth.”

Kathya Al Kharusi, institution’s manager, said. “We thank Eshraqa for supporting the institution with the new Braille machines. It definitely adds value to our educational process and will help our teachers create a better learning experience for students.”

State-of-the-art

The state-of-the-art Braille sense machines replace the students’ existing equipment, which – apart from being outdated and cumbersome to operate – weighed close to eight kilograms, placing an unnecessary burden on the children. With the new devices, students will no longer need to carry around heavy equipment and will have the added benefit of futuristic technology. The new Braille sense machines save time, are efficient and come with several practical features. It gives students access to social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, DropBox as well as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) Playback Devices.