27 Nov 2018

Government in partnership with non-governmental organisations and the private sector has come up with initiatives to improve the social functioning of people living with disabilities.

Mr Titus Kebuileng from Disability Support Services Unit at the University of Botswana said district statistics showed that 16 PLWDs had been funded on poverty eradication with the aim to empower them economically.

“About 82 have been assessed and enrolled in disability cash transfer while 67 have been enrolled in social safety nets,” he said at the Lobatse Disability Commemoration Day recently.

Furthermore, Mr Kebuileng noted that 42 children with disabilities had been enrolled at Bothakga special unit that provided academic and vocational training to PLWDs.

He also said there were 20 youth participants with disabilities enrolled in Tirelo Setshaba.

The theme for the commemorationswas: Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.

Mr Kebuileng applauded all for playing a vital role in empowering people with disabilities by providing them with permanent employment.

He noted that there were six PLWDs employed in different organisations in Lobatse District.

Mr Kebuileng noted that the theme focused on empowering persons with disabilities for the inclusive, equitable and sustainable development envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He said it was important to ensure full and equal participation of persons living with disabilities in all spheres of society and to create enabling environments for persons with disabilities. ENDS