Youths with physical disabilities in Malawi have been challenged not to resort to begging but learn some vocational skills that can help them to transform their lives.
Speaking recently in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre, Executive Director of Forum for Development for Youth with Disabilities (FDYD) Rex Kalima expressed concern that most physically challenged youths resign to fate and think that they cannot be productive to the country.
“We have always said that disability is not inability. If you are physically challenged but can afford to do something, do it so that you can support yourself. Do not limit yourself because of your condition because you can still manage something in life,” Kalima said.
He made the remarks recently after DVV International officially handed over a new structure and tailoring machines at FDYD’s Community learning centre at Namiyango in Blantyre.
FDYD has since 2020 been running the centre where people, including those with physical disabilities, have been accessing various skills such as tailoring and also adult education.
“This is a big boost to us because it means we will accommodate more people with disabilities and they will be learning in safe environment,” he said.
DVV International Regional Director Gerhard Quincke said they are happy to contribute to skills development and improvement of adult education in the country.
“We are very happy to have a partner with whom we will reach out to people who had no opportunity for education and skills training. The dream is that this initiative reaches all corners of the country, Quincke said.
DVV International in partnership with FDYD is implementing an Inclusive Integrated Adult Education (IIAE) programme at Namiyango Community Learning Centre. The programme targets men and women from the ages of 18 – 40. It focuses on boosting literacy skills of the semiliterate and the illiterate. Through the programme the participants also learn various issues pertaining to their everyday life such as tailoring.
(The article was first published in Malawi News dated 11th February, 2023. Additional reporting by DVV International)
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