Bukidnon National High School Special Education Division (BNHS-SPED) – Special Hands Baker has won the Most Inspiring CEST Community Award and was named one of the top eight finalists out of sixteen regional entries at the 2024 Search for Best CEST Community Awards during the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) held in Cagayan de Oro City on November 27, 2024.
Deaf graduates from BNHS-SPED in Malaybalay City face significant challenges, including high unemployment rates and limited financial independence, due to communication barriers and lack of access to higher education opportunities.
To address these issues, DOST-X, in partnership with the local government unit of Malaybalay City, launched the CEST project in BNHS-SPED, establishing “Special Hands Baker,” a business venture that employs indigenous and deaf graduates of the said school.
This initiative will create jobs and provide technology and skills training to help reduce unemployment and economic challenges among deaf graduates.
Through this innovative initiative, BNHS-SPED aims to create immediate and long-term employment opportunities for its graduates, helping them overcome the challenges of unemployment and financial dependence.
The Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, a flagship initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), seeks to empower communities in economically challenged areas by providing science and technology support to improve their livelihoods.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang said in his message last October during Region 10’s awarding of regional winners, “Beyond generating employment, what we want to achieve is creating quality jobs, with special emphasis on ensuring workers’ welfare, empowerment, competitiveness, security, and sustainability in all aspects”.
For more information regarding the DOST CEST Program, you may send your email to [email protected] (KDA/DOST10)
