On Monday 3rd of December HCA will be joined by Leanne Wood AM and John Griffiths AM to mark the day, alongside the Disability in Wales and Africa Network (DWA). The event will take place at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff.
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The event will include presentations from several organisations working on disability issues in Africa, including Hijinx Theatre who are working to challenge stereotypes of learning disabilities in Lesotho; Love Zimbabwe who are working with the parents of disabled children in Zimbabwe, and Zanzibar Mental Health Shamba who are working with traditional healers to improve the mental health of the people of Zanzibar.
Hijinx Theatre are currently in the 3rd phase of their project in Lesotho, having previously visited for a recce on their first phase and then toured with Welsh actors on their second phase, visiting schools and communities with a production in partnership with a local school to address the stereotyping around learning disabilities and helping those with disability grow their own aspirations.
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Love Zimbabwe, who focus their work in the Chinamhora region of Zimbabwe have been working hard to support the parents of disabled children and support them to develop a network as well as sources of income to help ensure that the children are cared for within their community.
Zanzibar Mental Health Shamba, are looking at ways at supporting people with mental health issues where there are no professional support services by training local healers in the community.
Cat Jones, Head of Hub Cymru Africa said:
“People with disability are often the most excluded and discriminated against in any society, unfortunately many of the partner organisations we work with have highlighted that this is even more so the case in the countries they work in.
“Celebrating the UN Day of Persons with Disability brings together organisations working to address the challenges surrounding disability programming and helps to improve our understanding of the huge benefit that inclusiveness has on development”
Paul Lindoewood from DWA said: “The inclusion and involvement of disabled people within any development programme is a key factor to its success.”
To register for FREE to attend the event visit: https://idpwdwales.eventbrite.co.uk
