CU launches e-learning centre for students with disabilities

With an aim to cope with the era of information technology, Chittagong University (CU) authorities have set up its first e-learning centre, accessible to physically-challenged students at the university's Central Library.

CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury inaugurated the centre yesterday. Later, a discussion was held at the library auditorium.

The centre was set up with the financial and technical support from the government's access to information (a2i) project. AK Khan Foundation and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) will provide physically-challenged students with software and hardware facilities, dictionary, 200 digital talking books, 300 e-books and 50 Braille books. It will also provide training to physically-challenged students.

Addressing the programme as chief guest, CU VC Prof Iftekhar said the e-learning centre was a part of his continuous effort to build CU as an inclusive university.

“Physically challenged students will be highly benefitted by the centre, as it was set up keeping their disabilities in mind,” he said, adding that by using the e-learning centre, they would be able to cope with the era of information technology and enhance their ability in the sector.

Alhaz Uddin, president of Disabled Students' Society of CU, said they previously had to go to Dhaka if any of them wanted to get IT trainings. “Now we will get IT training on our own campus. It's a great relief for us.”

Presided over by CU Pro-VC Prof Shireen Akhter, the progarmme was also addressed by Additional Secretary and a2i project Director Md Mustafizur Rahman, AK Khan Foundation's Trustee Secretary Salauddin Kashem Khan and YPSA Executive Director Md Arifur Rahman, among others.