By Sharon Chimenya

THE Reformed Church University is set to establish the first industrial
inclusivity hub in the province, which seeks to address shortages of gadgets for
people living with disabilities.
The University, whose niche area is specifically on promoting inclusivity and
Christian values, is working with the Masvingo Polytechnic on the
establishment of the hub with the plan already completed.
The Government, through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary, Innovation,
Science and Technology Development, has encouraged the establishment of
industrial hubs at universities with the aim of translating knowledge generated
into goods and services.
In an interview, the Administrative Assistant Inclusivity in the office of the
Vice Chancellor, Kudakwashe Rugare, said the university was in the process of
ensuring that all of their students learn Sign Language and Braille to promote
inclusivity in the communities.
“As a university, we are working on the establishment of an industrial
inclusivity hub. The plan is now there and because it is the university’s niche
area, that inclusivity hub will see the assembling of gadgets used by those with
special needs, such as wheelchairs.
“We want to avoid the situation where we are struggling to purchase those
gadgets from outside the country. It is our wish, as RCU, that we be able to
assemble those gadgets at the hub and selling them locally so that we don’t
continue begging,” he said.
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe was committed to ensuring that everyone
gets equal opportunities hence the establishment of Copota School for the Blind
in 1915 and Henry Murray in 1947.
“As a university we strive to ensure that people understand the importance of
Sign Language. We emphasise that all our students learn Braille and Sign
Language. We also do community service, where we train organisations and
government departments Sign Language,” he said.