NFT intensify PWDS community dialogues
NFT intensify PWDS community dialogues
November 3, 2022
Nontobeko Sibanda
Choice News Africa
Gwanda – Hundreds of People with Disabilities attended the interface dialogue that was organised by Nkomwa Foundation Trust in Lote community of Gwanda South, with the objective of the meeting aiming to increase PWDs participation in decision making process at community level.
The outreach meeting was graced ward Councillors, government ministries representatives, business community, traditional leaders and religious leaders.
The attendance was pleasing as it showed the prosperity of the sensitisation sessions previously conducted by NFT in the area.
NFT Ward Disability Facilitator Mrs Progress Ndlovu gave more insight on the agenda of the meeting as she stated that the day was meant to engage the leadership on current issues that need the leadership consideration.
“This day is meant to take pride in the disabilities, we have as they are a gift from God, and lets utilise this space to exhaust the challenges we encounter as people with disabilities” she said.
Stakeholders present urged PWDs to report cases and issues they feel need attention. NFT Advocacy Officer Mr Norman Mudadisi unpacked the National Disability Policy provisions focusing much on the disability rights. NFT ARSH Officer, Miss Kwanele Ramachela addressed the participants on Gender Based Violence and other health related issues.
NFT Director, Pick Nkomwa also addressed participants, urging all People with Disabilities to be strong and keep on engaging with the leadership for the betterment of their lives.
“Step by step towards the goal of inclusivity. PWDs can be forgotten and their needs neglected. The assumption of one size fits all approach is not necessarily true. Meaningful engagement is key to developing home grown solutions that are universally effective.
I am humbled by the support from ward 18 community leadership, on persons with disabilities,” added NFT Director.
Issues raised during the outreach meeting included high gender-based violence towards PWDS, inaccessible infrastructure, denigrating names to PWDS, none recognition of pwds at family and community level, lack of special classroom block for learners with disabilities, lack of vocational institutions for young people just to mention the few.
Mpathiswa Ncube, who is a community leader and ward Councillor, acknowledged the efforts from NFT and appreciated the participants for coming out in numbers for outreach dialogues.
“I am very humbled by this engagement between PWDs and the leadership of this ward. This shows the progress of the disability community. As the ward Councillor in liaison with other leaders, I had taken note of the issues raised.
We will continue engaging relevant stakeholders and do not hesitate to keep on sharing what you think can be of benefit. Great thanks to NFT team for the splendid job,” said Councillor Mphathiswa Ncube.
