By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) has renewed its call for greater inclusion and equal access to information as the country joins the rest of the world in marking World Braille Day.
Observed annually on January 4, World Braille Day highlights the importance of Braille as a vital communication tool for people who are blind and partially sighted.
This year’s commemoration has placed renewed focus on the role Braille plays in promoting equal participation in education, employment and public life.
In a statement issued to mark the day, MUB President Jack Tsankhwimbi emphasized that Braille remains central to the empowerment of people with visual impairments.
Tsankhwimbi noted that beyond literacy, Braille represents freedom, self-reliance and the ability to engage independently with society.
He said access to Braille enables individuals with visual impairments to exercise their rights with confidence and dignity.
The MUB president also encouraged Malawians to recognize Braille as a shared national responsibility rather than an issue affecting only a small section of society.
He further urged stakeholders to embrace modern Braille technologies, saying innovation can significantly broaden access to information and learning resources.
Tsankhwimbi added that integrating digital Braille solutions can open doors to education and employment opportunities for many Malawians with visual impairments.
Meanwhile, MUB Executive Director Ezekiel Kumwenda called for stronger collaboration among key players to advance Braille development in the country.
Kumwenda appealed to government institutions, educators, technology developers and the private sector to prioritize Braille accessibility in their policies and products.
He said strengthening Braille initiatives is essential to building an inclusive Malawi where everyone can communicate effectively, participate fully and thrive without barriers.
