11 Dec 2024

Promoting the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development remains critical in advancing the disability agenda.

It is on such a backdrop that today, Adansonia Hotel in Francistown will be a hive of activities for the United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities commemoration.

The event held under the theme: Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future will be officially opened by the Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa.

For one Mr Mishingo Matthews, a visually impaired braille trainer and assistant at Phatlhogo Primary School and Selolwe Junior Secondary School, the commemoration is an important opportunity for persons with disabilities to connect and provide feedback on issues affecting them.

In an interview, Mr Matthews indicated that people with disabilities were faced with many challenges, which included inadequate access to services, unemployment and protection of their rights.

“This day will give us the opportunity to voice our concerns and have authorities appreciate the ideas we have to make our country more inclusive, particularly under the new government. It will also give us the opportunity to learn from our unique perspective,” he said. 

He said they were yet to see changes that the new government would bring in terms of life-changing programmes for those with disabilities. 

Conversely, Mr Mathews appreciated government’s programmes aimed at bettering lives of people with disabilities.

For his part, Greater Francistown DHMT public relations officer, Mr Keekae Majeremane said preparations for the event were on track.

Mr Majeremane said activities for the commemoration would start with a walk from the Centre for the Deaf by Industrial Court to Adansonia Hotel.

He said arrangements were also made to transport persons with disabilities from different areas in Francistown to the event venue.

Meanwhile, the UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities is held to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for their dignity, rights and well-being. 

The day also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from integrating persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Ends