Zambia: The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has come up with various recommendations regarding rights of people living with disabilities
The organization announced that through these recommendations, they are doing their part in celebrating the International Day for people living with disabilities. The first recommendation is for the development of digital learning tools and content. The organization believes that this way, it would be easily accessed by children with disabilities.
Secondly, the civic body recommends policy formulation supporting learners with disabilities. The organization also advocates to provide financial incentives to the private sector in order to help teachers and learners with disabilities as well as low income communities.
ZANEC Executive Director George Hamusunga announced that they are putting more efforts, resources and incentives to promote equity in access to quality education as espoused in SDG four.
Further, on behalf of ZANEC, Hamusunga urged the country to fully implement the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2012, particularly Article 24. The said act affirms the right to education for Persons with Disabilities on the basis of equal education.
While celebrating World Disability Day, Executive Director George Hamusunga announced that he beleieves that it provides an opportunity for government, civil society and the community to come together to promote inclusiveness for people living with disabilities.
Hamusunga says the commemorations further provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to take action. The day reminds people to work towards improving the lives of people living with disabilities and appreciate and celebrate their contributions.
He added that it is important for stakeholders to reflect on access to education for persons with Disabilities. He claimed that education is important for their wellbeing, dignity and relevance to society.
“The involvement of Persons with Disabilities in matters of development is paramount for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, especially that they tend to be vulnerable and most hit in times of crisis, “ he said.
Hamusunga said it is important for stakeholders to intensify efforts to rescue SDGs for and with Persons with disability adding that SDG number 4, which seeks to achieve equitable and inclusive quality education is one particular SDG that needs more effort.
This year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities is being commemorated under the theme: United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by Persons with disabilities.
The people of Zambia, especially those living with one or the other form of disabilities will benefit tremendously from ZANEC’s recommendations. The organization has been working tirelessly to ensure that all sections of society can get access to education.