In a groundbreaking effort to promote inclusivity and empower individuals with visual impairments, Hemam Jameel, a Community Jameel Saudi program, has joined forces with the Ebsar Foundation. Together, they have launched the Capable Initiative, a comprehensive training program aimed at cultivating an entrepreneurial culture among visually impaired individuals. The initiative seeks to equip them with the skills, tools, and opportunities necessary to explore entrepreneurial ventures, fostering financial independence and personal growth.
The Capable Initiative, held in collaboration with Nafisa Shams Academy, is set to kick off in July and will span over four months. The program encompasses a range of activities, including enrichment programs, training courses, and entrepreneurial consultations. Participants will receive guidance on strategic planning, project management, marketing, financing, and innovation. The initiative aims to attract up to 200 individuals for training sessions and 1,000 participants for enrichment activities. Furthermore, it plans to support twenty visually impaired individuals in establishing their own e-commerce startups.
Najlaa Yousef Safdar, Digital Development Manager at Nafisa Shams, emphasized the significance of the Capable Initiative, stating, “By launching this program, we are not only aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 to promote entrepreneurship but also taking a vital step towards empowering people with visual disabilities and nurturing their entrepreneurial skills. The initiative provides tailored guidance and training, offering comprehensive support in financial, logistical, and marketing aspects. This enables participants to confidently launch and grow their projects within a safe and nurturing environment.”
Abdalla Taleb, Manager for Social Initiatives at Community Jameel Saudi, expressed the shared vision behind the collaboration, saying, “The partnership between Hemam Jameel and Ebsar Foundation demonstrates our commitment to promoting inclusivity and creating a supportive environment for individuals with visual disabilities. Hemam Jameel, under the Community Jameel Saudi umbrella, aims to empower individuals and foster self-reliance. Through the Capable Initiative, we are positively impacting the lives of those facing unique challenges, providing equal opportunities for financial independence. Ultimately, Hemam Jameel is increasing the success rates of individuals who may have otherwise struggled to find their place in the professional world.”
Amal bint Hamdan Al-Hunaiti, Chief Executive Officer of Ebsar Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of the Capable Initiative, stating, “This program goes beyond traditional training by strengthening communication and understanding between society and individuals with visual impairments, offering them the best income opportunities. Our commitment is to support and empower these individuals, enabling them to become successful pioneers in their respective fields. We look forward to commencing the training program and contributing to the development of a more inclusive and empowering society for individuals with visual impairments.”
This project aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Transformation Program, a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It aims to integrate individuals with disabilities into the labor market, fostering a more inclusive and diverse society. Hemam Jameel actively seeks strategic partnerships to support individuals with disabilities and promote inclusion across various domains. This collaborative effort reflects the mission of the Ebsar Foundation, which focuses on empowering individuals with visual impairments.
The Capable Initiative forms part of Hemam Jameel’s Entrepreneurship Track, which empowers people with disabilities to launch their entrepreneurial projects from scratch. Hemam Jameel also provides courses and technologies to support economic independence. In addition to the Entrepreneurship Track, Hemam Jameel offers the Training and Employment Track, assisting individuals with disabilities in achieving professional success and developing their skills. Moreover, through the Comprehensive Access Track, Hemam Jameel helps commercial establishments obtain the “Mowaamah Certificate,” ensuring compliance with national standards for universal accessibility for people with disabilities.
The collaboration between Hemam Jameel and the Ebsar Foundation marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and empowerment. By nurturing entrepreneurial talents and providing the necessary resources, this initiative strives to create a more inclusive society where individuals with visual impairments can thrive and achieve their full potential.
