Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that falls today 3rd December. This day provides an opportunity for key stakeholders such as governments, organizations, and communities to come together to raise awareness, promote inclusion, take action to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and celebrate their achievements and contributions to society. There is a need to also reflect on our achievements in providing access to quality education for learners with disabilities. The reason is that Education is fundamental in the lives of persons with disability for their well-being, dignity, and relevance to society.
The theme for the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” In line with the theme it is important to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to take charge of their lives and shape their future. This theme underscores the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to take the lead in shaping their own destinies and contributing to society. To be inclusive is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, resources and environments. Inclusion also encompasses the policies, practices and attitudes that enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, social situations, community activities and leadership roles. Disability inclusion is not just about physical accessibility, it also involves creating a culture of respect, understanding and support that values diversity and promotes the full integration and potential of individuals with disabilities.
According to the United Nations an estimated 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability today around the world. In Zambia, persons with disabilities make up nearly 11% of the population. It is good that Zambia is taking strides to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by placing inclusivity at the heart of its national development agenda through the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) principle of leaving no one behind embraces a multi-dimensional approach to development that goes beyond solely focusing on economic growth. It aims to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion by ensuring that economic growth is equitable and benefits all segments of society, especially marginalized and vulnerable populations like persons with disabilities.
However, is sad to note as is evidenced in the 2021 elections that there is no Member of Parliament with disability in Zambia. It is important for persons with disability also have a representation in Parliament where laws are made. The theme for 2024 also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities includes promoting their political participation as well. Therefore, there has to be deliberate effort to encourage persons with disability to participate in the governance of the county and create an enabling environment for them to participate fully in all sectors such as political, economic, social and cultural aspects of our country so that they are able to shape their future.
As we are aware, education is key in the attainment of this year’s theme as it equips individuals with disabilities with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for their rights and achieve their full potential as well as to take up leadership positions. Indeed, amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities is essential to make meaningful progress in achieving global educational goals, advancing education equity for all, and building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Education is a key aspect for an inclusive and sustainable future for persons with disabilities.
Line with the global call-to-action ZANEC therefore, recommends the following:
- Promoting the leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life starts with providing them equality education that is equitable and inclusive.
- Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
- Increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes is encouraged.
- Raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
- To take keen interest in the prevailing inequalities and invest more resources and incentives to promote inclusion and equity in our schools if Zambia is to meet SDG 4 on inclusive quality education for all.
- Once again, we repeat that it is important for Zambia to fully implement the Persons with Disability Act of 2012 which domesticates the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For instance, Article 24 of the convention clearly affirms the right to education for persons with disabilities on the basis of equal opportunity.
ZANEC wishes all persons with disabilities a successful commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
For/ZANEC
Petronella Isiteketo
ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
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