Low Representation of Persons with Disabilities in District Councils Raises Concerns

Malawi: District Social Welfare Officer for Rumphi, Zindaba Lungu, has expressed concern over the low representation of persons with disabilities at the district level, writes Susan Moyo.

The issue was raised during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organized by the Diocese of Mzuzu Education Commission (Domec) at Chanyoli Primary School in the district.

"Out of seven service committees at the council, only one has a member with a disability," Lungu said.

"With a low representation of people with disabilities, it means some challenges that these people face cannot be heard at the council."

Lungu plans to present this issue as a challenge at the next council meeting, as far as disability is concerned in a decentralized structure.

Oliver Kajiso Gondwe, Coordinator of the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA) agreed with Lungu that there is no equality and inclusion among persons with disabilities in the council committees.

"Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the committees is crucial because the plans and decisions made at the district level can benefit them if they are involved," Gondwe said.

The coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu Education Commission (Domec), Remmi Kamanga highlighted the organization's efforts to improve the situation.

The School Access and Governance Functionality Enhancement (SAGFE) project, funded by Misean Cara, aims to encourage parents with disabled children to send them to school so that they can become productive citizens in the future.

Domec is implementing a 3-year project in all primary schools under the Mzuzu diocese.