Disability workshops empower Matabeleland South communities
December 15, 2022
Nontobeko Sibanda
Choice News Africa
Gwanda – In their massive outreach activities, Federation of Organizations of Disabled people Of Zimbabwe (FODPZ) recently conducted a disability mainstreaming training in Matabeleland South Province for the community.
The objective of the gathering was to train organisations for persons with disabilities (OPDs), disability champions on disability rights, legislation, safeguarding and to map out referral pathway systems for their communities.
Participants expressed their gratitude for knowledge benefit, from the workshop that was attended by professionals from almost all walks of life.
“As a community health worker, this knowledge I gained today is vital in my line of work. Now I am able to see people equally and call them using better words unlike before. My work will improve as I serve the community,” said Sibusisiwe Moyo a Community based worker under Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council.
Another Caregiver, Evelyn Dube concurred with Sibusisiwe, on the strength of the disability training outreach.
“Siyabonga khakhulu ifundiso leyi ngeyethu sonke, lami sengiwazi ukubiza umzukulu wami ngendle eqondileyo,” added Evelyn Dube.
Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) is an umbrella body for Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Zimbabwe. FODPZ was formed in 2003 and registered with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare as a Private Voluntary Organization in 2004.
FODPZ’s main objective, is to facilitate the collaboration, networking, coordination of its member organizations to acquire capacity, efficiency and effectiveness required in advocacy and lobbying aimed at improving the quality of life for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Zimbabwe and globally.
The training participants were drawn from government ministries, persons with disabilities, caregivers, media practitioners, government parastatals, traditional leaders, religious organisations and non-governmental organisations.
The training was facilitated by Pick Nkomwa(NFT) and Fidellis Gunde. The trainers/facilitators equipped the participants with information on disability issues using practical and lived experiences.
The topics covered included; disability sensitisation on terminology, disability legislation like, Disabled Persons Act, Mental Health Act, Zimbabwe Constitution, United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), National Disability Policy, Persons with Disabilities Bill, law making process, disability advocacy, mainstreaming and mainstreaming safeguarding work.
The Department of Social Development services also did a presentation, explaining the services by persons with disabilities and access to their offices. The Acting District Head Mrs Nodumo Hove acknowledged the working relationship, their department share, with Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) like Nkomwa Foundation Trust. She said together with those organisations, they can champion the disability agenda to greatest heights.
“I used to fear people with disabilities and I never bothered to play with them neither invite a youth with disability to church. I now feel that, with this training I have the obligation to treat people with disabilities just like anyone else,” added Lucia Ndlovu, a youth from Colleen Bawn Church of Christ.
The District Head Mrs Hove thanked the training convers and participants for the training. “I am so humbled and thankful for this eye-opening session. Personally, have learnt a lot and urge all members to spread this message to our communities. Let us be each other’s keeper. Children need our support and please note that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.” concluded Hove.
