Rural community leadership empowered with disability capacitation
Rural community leadership empowered with disability capacitation
February 20, 2024
Choice News Africa Correspondent
Gwanda -The rural community of Gwanda North Ward 6 development committee recently received training on disability sensitization, which was conducted by Nkomwa Foundation Trust.
The training was steered at ward Centre of Mtshazo business area. The capacitation focused on disability legislative frameworks, disability rights, disability parenting and mainstreaming.
Gwanda North rural community attending a disability capacitation workshop. Pic Choice News Africa
Zimbabwe has a rich history of advancing the rights of persons with disabilities going back to the early 1990s and Zimbabwe is also one of the first countries in Africa that enacted disability legislation, in the form of the Disabled Persons Act (Chapter 17:01) of 1992.
In addition, on 23 September 2013, Zimbabwe made great strides towards recognizing the rights of Persons with disabilities by duly ratifying the United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and it optional Protocol.
Despite all the developments made, there is information deficit gaps in rural communities that disability organisations are closing in complimenting the government efforts. During the sensitisation sessions, the participants realised the ill-treatment and rights infringements of persons with disabilities in their community and promised to change.
One village Head Mr Jaconiah Moyo said, “We are happy with this programme on coming to our ward. Indeed we were in darkness now we can see that umuntu wonke kumele aphathwe okufanayo.’ His sentiments were also supported by village secretary, Walter Ncube who said, “Siyabonga baba Nkomwa le team yakho, the meeting was an eye opener to us as a ward, we promise to work hand in glove with you. Your work and services are needed in our community.”
The ward 6 Councillor Joseph Khumalo weighed in by appreciating the capacitation received. “I am so humbled to receive such a wonderful organisation that uplift the marginalised people in our communities.
As leadership we have realised our mistakes and gaps that need attention for persons with disabilities. I believe all leaders have learnt and will cascade this knowledge to others” said Cllr Khumalo.
The workshop was successful to the leaders of this community. NFT as an institution has great task ahead of them in Matabeleland region. The organisation is part of the Equal Zimbabwe campaign which was launched on 8th of February 2024 in Harare.
“We are geared to do the best and leave no one and no place behind with the disability gospel.” Added Pick Nkomwa NFT Director.