On Thursday, nine disabled people graduated from the Dorothy Springer Trust, Information, Communication and Technology training. The well-attended graduation ceremony was held on Pultney St. celebrated successful persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, Chief Executive Officer of the Dorothy Springer Trust noted that the initiative of the training is a way to transform the lives of disabled people through ICT skills training for the labour market. “The aim of the Trust,” Dumbuya said, “is to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same opportunities as others in the job market.”
Noting the unjustified discrimination against persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone, particularly in the world of employment, Dumbuya said despite such challenges, the Trust has succeeded in securing jobs for 33 disabled people through its educational programs and employment bureau.
“Integrity, honesty, self-discipline,” Dumbuya stated, “are some of the virtues that help one to maintain a professional standard.”
The establishment of the training, internship programs and the employment bureau, Dumbuya added is to fast-track the employability of their students upon graduation.
Deliberating on the importance of life-long education, Emma Warick of Irish Aid, said they will always work towards the inclusion and equality of disabled people.
Sonny Swaray Koroma, graduated with a specialty in social media. He explained about the opportunity to acquire the knowledge. “With the training, I am well equipped and prepared for the job market, I believe I can deliver all that I have learned,” Koroma stated.
Commending the works of the Trust and opportunities offered to the disabled people, Chairman, Nation Commission for Persons with Disability, Fredrick Kamara explained the laws that guarantee the rights of disabled people.
“A disabled person should have equal opportunities as an able person; then, it talks about the prohibition of discrimination against persons with disabilities, this means that an individual should not be discriminated against as a result of his deformity or his disability.”
By Sylvia Villa
Awoko Friday, April 07, 2017.
Sierra Leone Life Coach 