A ONE day awareness program to raise human rights of people with disabilities was organized last month in Makira Ulawa province.
The program was held at Parainamaro, Wainoni area on 31st of August.
A charitable group from the Catholic Church organized the event which was held at zone 1. Zone 1 communities covered areas of Nemunio to Narame of Ward12 and 13.
More than 50 community people including 14 people with disabilities joined the program.
Reports said, one of the community leaders initiated the idea because a lot of people have less respect for these group of people.
So he planned the event to support them and their families at the same time to inform them about their human rights.
The day featured an opening prayer, distribution of clothes and awareness by Community Base Rehabilitation and the People with Disability Association (PWDA) and refreshment which wrapped up the event.
During the program officials from the Community Based Rehabilitation Program (CBR) from Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Makira and members of PWDA conducted presentations on topics related to people with disabilities and human rights. Emery Maesi, a CBR officer was responsible to conduct the awareness on PWDs human rights.
Noel Haura, PWDA president, said such program should be encouraged and carried out in the rural communities around the province and the country.
“It’s a very nice activity for the community. We hope that community people will look at the strength of PWDs and they will support each other”.
The chairman said, people with disabilities have been overlooked and neglected in the community for a long time.
“Most of them have some problems with daily life, especially; the hygiene is a big problem.”
Now, he thinks that everyone should work together to support PWDs.
The Catholic Church had been acknowledged for organized the event.
A statement from CBR in Makira said, this shows that community people have started to recognize PWDs in the communities.
“PWDs need to be supported not only from family members but from everyone.
“We also think that it is important to create an inclusive society where PWDs can participate as well as to empower them to be a part of community, society or the nation. That is barrier free for all.”
CBR program
Kirakira Hospital
Makira Ulawa Province